HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc340-1W
Lieut.-Colonel Sharp

asked the President of the Board of Trade how present supplies of phenol, cresol and wood flour compare with those available to British industry before the war; whether increased supplies will soon be made available to the plastics industry; and the conditions under which plastics manufacturers can obtain import licences for such essential raw materials.

Sir S. Cripps

Supplies of phenol available to British industry are 50 per cent. higher than in 1939. United Kingdom production of natural phenol, which depends upon the amount of coal carbonised, is now at its maximum, and steps are being taken to increase the home production of synthetic phenol. Nevertheless, supplies are not sufficient to meet demands, and import licences are being issued to plastics manufacturers in order to cover the balance of their needs.

United Kingdom production of cresol is now slightly higher than in 1939 and the output of grades suitable for plastics manufacture is at its maximum. There is no possibility at present of importing cresol suitable for the plastics industry, since there is no producing country' with any surplus

Home production of wood flour is estimated to amount at present to about two-thirds of the prewar output; arrangements have been made for increased production, but it will be some time before this becomes available In the meantime, import licences are being issued to cover the full requirements of firms in the plastics industry up to 30th June