HC Deb 08 March 1926 vol 192 c1903
45. Mr. REMER

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the further set-back to the state of the steel industry during the past fortnight; and, in view of the condition of that industry, if he will call a conference of all interests in that industry to see what can be done to save it from destruction?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

I am aware that the condition of the steel industry still gives ground for serious anxiety; but I have no reason to think that a conference of the kind suggested would be useful at the moment.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Will my hon. Friend consider the desirability of issuing, for the information of the public, a return showing the various items in the cost of production of a ton of steel in this country and corresponding details relating to steel produced in Germany, Belgium and Holland?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I will certainly take that suggestion into consideration, but I shall be surprised if the information is not already available.

HON. MEMBERS

It is.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is the steel industry to get into a general state of bankruptcy before anything is done?