§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, if he has observed the large increase in the production, in Belgium last year, of steel ingots, rails, and plates, as also in the production of Bessemer pig iron, a state of affairs which exists also in Germany; and if, having regard to the depression prevailing in the British iron and steel trade in the last three years, he will forthwith appoint a small Committee of competent experts to inquire into the causes of this contrast, and the best means of promptly remedying them?
§ MR. BRYCEYes, Sir, but I see no reason for appointing a Special Committee to investigate the causes of fluctuation of comparative production in a particular industry such as that of iron and steel, especially when that industry 1607 in this country is so efficiently represented by bodies such as the Iron and Steel Institute and various Chambers of Commerce, with whom the Board of Trade are in frequent and friendly communication.
§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENTasked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the iron and steel industry was the second largest in the country, and that an enormous number of men connected with it were out of employment?
§ MR. BRYCEsaid that he was fully aware of the immense magnitude of the iron and steel industry, and for that very reason he thought that they might rely upon the Iron and Steel Institute to communicate on any matter of importance affecting their interests.