§ 65. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how much magnesite is imported into the United Kingdom; if he will give comparative figures for the period 1967 to 1971, an estimate for 1972 and a statement on the future prospects of the magnesite industry in the United Kingdom;
(2) how much magnesite is produced by British firms, how much is exported and how much is provided for the home market.
§ Mr. RidleyThe full figures show that imports in 1969–71 were substantially higher than in 1967–68; I prefer not to venture an estimate for 1972 Production and consumption figures for magnesite and non-pharmaceutical magnesium oxide are not available. Exports were not separately distinguished in the trade statistics prior to 1970, in which year they were 34,000 tons; in January—September, 1971 exports were about 19,000 tons.
The following is the information asked for:
UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS Magnesite Non-pharmaceutical magnesium oxide tons tons January to September, 1971 97,241 22,333 January to September, 1970 89,762 22,358 1970 117,087 23,045 1969 122,201 * 1968 76,144 * 1967 61,067 * * Not separately distinguished.