76. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Technology what are the differences in prices between natural, synthetic and reclaim rubber as used by manufacturing industry.
§ Dr. Ernest DaviesNo precise answer can be given as there is a wide range of228W grades. For the grades most used, natural rubber now costs about 13d. a pound more than reclaim, and synthetic rubber about 9d. a pound more.
77. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Technology, in view of the declining percentage of reclaim rubber now being used as compared with 1966, how many reclaim rubber factories are now in operation; whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient capacity of a modern type in use to meet potential demand and assist the balance of payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Ernest DaviesThere are three large factories and a few smaller ones. A fourth large factory was shut down last year because reclaiming capacity in this country was excessive. I am satisfied that existing capacity is more than enough to meet any likely demand.