FO371-46258 — Page 65

Page 65

Page 65

(e) Enamel Ware.

The U.K. could not hope to provide a quantity of enamel ware equal to that previously supplied by Japan, but could certainly provide some."

(f) Aluminium household utensils

There are now about 4 times as many manufacturers of aluminium hollow-ware in the U.K. as before the war and there will be two mass producers. We would thus be able to export

large quantities to the Far East at suitable prices. It would be unfortunate if additional capacity were created in Hong Kong.

(g) Nuts, bolts, nails, screws, etc.

Plenty of these (With the

The production of these in Hong Kong would not embarrass U.K. manufacturers, but might be uneconomic. goods are available for export from the U.K. temporary exception of nails).

(h) Bicycles

For &

There is probably ample capacity in the U.K. to meet Far Eastern requirements, but not of course at the prices of pre- war Japanese bicycles. It is doubtful, however, whether bicycles could be manufactured in Hong Kong much, if at all, more cheaply than by U. K. firns, who have the advantage of long experience in mass production on a very large scale. considerable time Hong Kong would have to import most components from the U.K. (and possibly Australia), but might save some thing on the cost of complete machines by low labour costs of assembly. On the whole, bicycles do not seem a very suitable line for Hong Kong.

Page 65

Page 65

Page 65Page 66