HC Deb 14 July 1910 vol 19 cc608-9
Viscount CASTLEREAGH

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a speech made by Sir Joseph Jonas at the inaugural meeting of the South Yorkshire branch of the Free Trade Union, attributing the failure of so many steel firms in this country to the importation of bounty-fed steel from Germany at less than cost price, and stating that he had tried to approach the Prime Minister on the matter but without success; and whether, in view of the harm done to British industry by such practices, he would be prepared to receive a deputation of those injured by the importation of bounty-fed and dumped goods from foreign countries and afford them an opportunity of bringing the facts to his notice?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I am informed that the German syndicates have this year resumed the payment of bounties on exported iron and steel manufactured articles. This is entirely a trade arrangement and one with which, so far as I know, the German Government have nothing to do. There is no evidence that the iron and steel industry in this country is in an unsatisfactory condition—indeed, all the available evidence goes to show that the trade is flourishing. As regards the personal reference contained in the question, I understand that Sir Joseph Jonas was incorrectly reported and that what he said was not that he had tried to approach me but without success, but that he had failed in his efforts to organise a deputation on the subject. I see no reason in the circumstances for receiving such a deputation.

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how he has discovered that the newspaper report was incorrect?

The PRIME MINISTER

I believe from Sir J. Jonas himself.

Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that last year the exports of manufactured steel and iron ware were £38,000,000 and that imports were only £7,000,000?

The PRIME MINISTER

No doubt my hon. Friend is right.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

If I succeed in organising a deputation will the right hon. Gentleman receive it?

The PRIME MINISTER

If and when the hon. Gentleman does I will consider the question.