§ Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he in the OFFICIAL REPORT will list producers, of furfuryl alcohol, the quantities produced by each for the home and export markets as a percentage of respective and total United Kingdom production, together with the typical domestic and export prices for comparable quantities;
(2) if he is aware of the effect which the shortage of furfuryl alcohol is having upon the foundry industry; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the supply position.
§ Mr. MeacherThe only United Kingdom producer is Quaker Oats Ltd. which manufactures it from furfural imported from its parent company in the United States. Production is restricted because of a shortage of furfural which is manu-150W factured from sugar cane waste. Information is not available on United Kingdom production or prices but Quaker Oats Ltd. advises that there are no exports.
I am aware of the difficulties the foundry industry is having because of the shortage. I understand from the producers that the quantities available should begin to improve in the middle of the year.