HC Deb 04 May 1948 vol 450 cc112-3W
69. Mr. Scott-Elliot

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the export target for chemicals has been reduced; and whether all possible chemical production capacity is now being used.

Mr. Bottomley

Now that more chemicals than previously are needed to produce other goods for export, the export target has been slightly reduced in order that chemicals may be exported in the most profitable form, which is often as components of other manufactured goods. Subject to the availability of raw materials and labour, productive capacity is, so far as I am aware, being used to the best advantage.