§ Mr. Platts-Millsasked the President of the Board of Trade what stocks of industrial diamonds are held in the United Kingdom; if he is satisfied that they are adequate to the requirements of British industry, especially in the sphere of technical modernisation; and what steps he is taking to ensure that such stocks are maintained at a consistently high level.
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§ Mr. H. WilsonInformation as to the size of stocks of industrial diamonds held in the United Kingdom is not available. The distribution of diamonds to all parts of the world is centerd in the United Kingdom. I am satisfied that the stocks are maintained at a high level in relation to the requirements of British industry.
§ Mr. Platts-Millsasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of diamonds has been sold to the United States Government by Messrs. Industrial Distributors (Sales) Corporation in accordance with arrangements concluded under the Marshall Plan agreement; what was the value of this purchase; and how was payment for it made.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI cannot give details of the quantities or value of the diamonds recently sold to the United States Government by Industrial Distributors (Sales) Limited. Payment is being made from the sterling fund deposited by His Majesty's Government in a special account as the counterpart equivalent of the value of supplies furnished to the United Kingdom under the grant by tile Economic Co-operation Administration.