§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware, that the action of certain capitalists of Middles-borough has resulted in a corner in pig-iron, which is disorganising the iron and other dependent industries throughout the North of England; and, seeing that, under the same gambling systems, the late corners in cotton and other commodities were operated, whether His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of promoting legislation, in conjunction with other Governments, to prevent these constant upheavals in trade.
(Answered by Mr. Bonar Law.) I am aware that the iron trade has recently been affected by a rise in the price of pig-iron, attributed to speculative purchases of Cleveland pig-iron warrants in anticipation for a demand by the United States. I understand, however, that this temporary rise of prices is now at an end. As regards the last part of the Question, I am unable to add anything to the Answers which have been given to similar Questions by the hon. Member.