HC Deb 12 December 1927 vol 211 cc1840-1
50. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the formation of a steel cartel embracing the chief iron and steel producing European powers; and whether, having regard to the Report of the departmental committee on shipping and shipbuilding that the steel cartel of Germany prior to the war had deliberately plotted to cripple our forges, what steps he proposes to take in view of the heavier imports of the more powerful cartel organised by Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

The answer to the first part part of the Question is in the affirmative, and as regards the second I have nothing to add to the statement which I made in this House on the 10th November in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Flint (Mr. Goodman Roberts).

56. Mr. DIXEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the serious position of the iron and steel trade and the coal trade and their intimate relationship to one another, he will consider setting up a committee to consider the joint position of the two trades?

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

I do not think any useful purpose would be served by a further enquiry of the kind suggested.

Captain STREATFEILD

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary consider that the time has now arrived when deeds are wanted, not words?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The question has been again and again answered in the House, particularly by the Prime Minister.

Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSON

Would not a Royal Commission be much better than a Committee, as it will take so much longer to report?

Sir H. CROFT

May I ask whether the condition of the iron and steel industries, as stated in the Question, has received the consideration of the Government, and whether it would not be possible for some attention to be given to it having regard to the recommendations of the Royal Commission?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The whole question has had most careful consideration.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

As the matter has received careful consideration of the Government can we have the report on the matter?