HC Deb 29 April 1925 vol 183 cc160-1
Mr. DIXEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the very grave position of the iron and steel trades and the engineering trade owing to foreign competition; and whether he will consider, in view of the apparent lack of any other remedy, the application either of a grant or subsidy to these industries or else of some other method of protection?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

The position of the iron and steel and engineering trades is receiving the constant attention of the Government, who have considered and are considering.various proposals which have been made; but it would not be passible to deal with their merits and demerits within the limits of a question and answer.

Mr. DIXEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the scheme put forward by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carmarthen (Sir A. Mond), and does he not think that some application of that scheme would benefit the industry?

The PRIME MINISTER

That scheme is being examined at present.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to make inquiries into the fact that, after the Iron and Steel Trades Federation have supplied home consumption, they are supplying iron and steel products cheaper to foreigners than to this country?

Mr. HANNON:

Is it not the fact that the only real remedy for this deplorable state of affairs is an adequate measure of Protection?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. THORNE

Is the Prime Minister prepared to answer my question?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that may be an interesting point, but I do not believe that any answer given upon it would affect employment, which is the subject referred to in my hon. Friend's question.

Mr. THORNE:

Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any truth in this statement that surplus iron and steel products are being sold cheaper to foreigners?

The PRIME MINISTER

My hon. Friend said that it was a fact.

Mr. T. THOMSON:

Are the Government considering, or will they consider, the very heavy burden of local rates on these industries, and whether some relief cannot he given in this direction?

The PRIME MINISTER

That will be considered.