§ Mr. Holtasked the Minister of Materials how many orders issued by his Department are still operative which prohibit or limit the use of any raw material in the manufacture or construction of any article or structure; whether he will give a list of any such raw materials so affected; and what is his policy concerning the removal of such restrictions.
§ Sir A. SalterTwelve. The materials affected are bristles, true hemp, manila hemp, paper and paper-making materials, sulphuric acid and sulphur used in its manufacture, and certain types of timber. These restrictions are still necessary because of balance of payments or supply difficulties; my policy is to remove them as soon as these difficulties can be overcome.
§ Mr. Holtasked the Minister of Materials how many raw materials or manufactured products cannot be purchased freely without a licence or other authorisation from his department; whether he will give a list of such raw materials or manufactured products; and what is his policy towards the removal of such restrictions.
§ Sir A. SalterThe materials concerned are true hemp, jute and jute goods from outside the United Kingdom, and certain types of timber. In addition, licences are required to supply, though not to purchase, bristles and sulphuric acid, and by producers to supply paper. These restrictions will be removed as soon as the difficulties mentioned in my previous answer can be overcome.