HC Deb 29 July 1946 vol 426 cc90-1W
Sir R. Glyn

104, 105 and 106. asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) to what extent are secondary industries dependent on the paint, varnish and lacquer industry for surface coating materials essential to the proper functioning and sale, especially in the export trade; what representations have been made on these matters to his Department; and whether he has been able to give satisfactory assurances that the present scarcity is likely to end before the end of the year;

(2) what representations have been made to his Department by shipbuilders, ship owners, railway companies and local authorities regarding the shortages of paint and varnish for renovation, maintenance and new construction; and, as the present scarcity is seriously delaying anticipated programmes, causing heavy additional expenditure in the future, what steps he is taking to allocate as much paint as possible for such purposes.

(3) what steps the Government propose to take to ensure that more raw materials required for the paint, varnish and lacquer industry will be forthcoming in the near future; and if manufacturers can rely upon these essential materials being made available before the end of the year.

Sir S. Cripps

The present shortage of paint arises mainly from the shortage of linseed oil, regarding which I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food in reply to Questions on 29th May. Every effort is being made to supplement linseed oil by the provision of substitutes and to increase the availability of other paint materials in short supply by expanding home production and facilitating imports.

It is not possible to say to what extent secondary industries are dependent on surface coating materials but the importance of meeting their essential requirements is fully recognised. I have received representations on this matter from the paint industry. Local authorities have drawn attention to the effect which a shortage of paint would have on their housing programmes and I understand that similar representations have been made to the Ministry of Transport by shipowners in regard to their maintenance programmes.

Exports of paint were recently drastically curtailed; and a scheme of paint distribution, which will come into operation on 1st August, makes specific provision for transport and general industrial uses, as well as for building purposes. I cannot at present say when the. scarcity of paint-making materials is likely to end; but I hope that the action which is being taken will enable the present supplies of paint in this country to be maintained, and if possible increased, during the next few months.