§ 28. Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he would state the reason for prohibiting the importation of ferro-tungsten; whether, in view of the fact that ferro-chrome and 885 ferro-tungsten were both equally essential in respect of the manufacture of special steels, whatever conditions of import applied to one ought to apply to the other; whether, in view of the fact that the relative value of exchange with France was against the British manufacturers of ferro-chrome in the open market, he would take whatever steps were necessary to place manufacturers of ferro-chrome in no less favourable position than the manufacturers of ferro-tungsten; whether he was aware that the differential treatment as between Ferro-tungsten and ferrochrome had resulted in the closing down of valuable plant for the manufacture of the latter material with the consequent unemployment of workpeople who were specially trained for this work during the War; and whether, having regard to the fact that chrome ore was an Empire product which was I he subject of close Continental control before the War, he would take such steps as would preserve the manufacture of ferro-alloys which had been so costly to establish during the past five years?
§ Sir A. GEDDESFerro-tungsten and tungsten powder have been placed in the Schedule of products of Unstable Key Industries, of which the importation is prohibited because of their importance in the manufacture of high-speed steel, which is essential for the engineering industries, and the fact that before the War the United Kingdom was entirely dependent for the supply of these products upon Germany. It is difficult to compare the relative values of various alloys with differing applications, and though the importance of ferro-chrome is. I think, fully recognised, the Government felt that the case for its special treatment was less strong that that of the substances and articles whose importation they have restricted. The difficulties in which British manufacturers are placed are, I understand, mainly due to the existence of large stocks in this country. The hon. Member will no doubt have an opportunity of raising the matter again when the House comes to consider in detail the problem of safeguarding key industries.