HC Deb 22 July 1924 vol 176 cc1094-5
13. Captain Viscount CURZON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the placing of an order for spring bars With a German firm of steel manufacturers by the East Indian Railway Company because the firm was £4 13s. per ton below the figures quoted by British manufacturers; that the Ebbw Vale Steelworks closed down on Saturday for want of orders, thereby throwing 2,000 men out of work; whether he is aware that one Belgian steelworks has doubled its profits during the last year; that foreign firms are working for lower wages and longer hours than British; whether he has any information as to what other steelworks are on the point of closing down; and what steps the Government propose to take to meet the situation?

Mr. WEBB

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have seen statements in the Press as to the closing of the works mentioned in the second part of the question, but the reason for closing is variously stated. I have no information as to the closing of other steelworks. The position in the iron and steel trade is being watched, but no immediate action is contemplated.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that as far as the workmen are concerned who are engaged in this industry—or any other—they turn out a greater production per man per week than any men in the world, except the Americans?

Mr. HANNON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the value of imports of

1924. No. 1 Northern Manitoba; ex. ship. Australian; ex. ship. Rosefé; 63½ lb. ex. ship. English f.o.r. London.
Per 496 lbs. Per 496 lbs. Per 496 lbs. Per 504 lbs.
s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d s. d.
25th February … 51 6 49 3 49 0 48 0 to 49 0
31st March … 48 0 49 0 46 0 46 0 to 47 0
28th April … 47 9 49 0 46 9 48 0 to 48 6
2nd June … 48 6 50 0 47 3 51 6 to 52 0
(26 May).
30th June … 53 9 51 6 — 54 0 to 55 0
21st July … 58 6 57 0 — 55 6 to 56 0
Forward to