§ 72. Mr. John Hallasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now concluded the discussions with the principal buyers of potash; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ErrollYes. Consultations have been held with Fisons, I.C.I. and other large buyers of potash.
Though Potash Limited remains by far the largest supplier of potash in this country, competition from other sources has been increasing. Sales in the United Kingdom of potash from other sources in the calendar year 1959 were 44 per cent. higher than in the fertiliser year 1957–58 and represented 26 per cent. of total sales as compared with 20 per cent. in 1957–58. United Kingdom buyers of potash are always on the look-out for new sources of supply. Their general view is that the balance of advantage would be against closer integration of purchasing.