HC Deb 27 November 1951 vol 494 cc141-2W
129. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether, in view of the efforts of the Communists in Malaya to curtail the output of raw rubber in that country, he will consider setting up a synthetic rubber plant in this country in view of the great importance of this commodity.

Mr. Hopkinson

While fully appreciating the great importance of protecting rubber estates and all those who work on them against Communist attacks, I do not think there is reason to fear that the required supplies of natural rubber will not be available for manufacturers in this country.