§ 11. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that thousands of tons of steel bars from Belgium are being sent to Birmingham, Darlaston, Cradley and Old Hill districts, while rolling mills in the Black Country are closing down for lack of orders; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?
Mr. WEBBI am aware that there has been a considerable importation of steel blooms, slabs and billets from Belgium in recent months, but inasmuch as these require to be re-rolled into plates, sheets and other forms, I am unable to follow the argument that this importation is a substantial cause of unemployment in rolling mills generally.
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that thousands of tons of steel joists for building purposes have been sent into this country, thus creating unemployment?
§ Mr. SULLIVANWho ordered this steel that is causing unemployment?
Mr. WEBBI cannot reply to my hon. Friend's question. With regard to the 1103 question of the hon. Member for Barrow (Mr. D. G. Somerville), that must relate to a different article. I have answered the question on the Paper accurately. I cannot answer any other question without notice.