§ 67. Sir F. KELLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the holding up of ship plates on the Ruhr is still delaying ship construction in this country; and whether adequate supplies of these plates are now available at home?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe issue of licences for the export of ship plates from the Ruhr commenced on the 11th June and is, I understand, proceeding satisfactorily. Consequently, I hope that any delay in ship construction due to the non-delivery of such plates will soon be at an end.
§ Mr. BECKERCould not these ships' plates be equally well made in Sheffield?
§ Viscount WOLMERNo, Sir; the question is not one of making ships' plates; those in question were ordered last year in Germany.
§ Sir F. KELLEYCould these plates not be better made in Rotherham than in Sheffield?