§ 28. Mr. REMERasked the President of the Board of Trade if the terms of reference to the committee to be set up to inquire into the iron and steel industries will includes the wages paid and hours worked in foreign countries from which imports of iron and steal are imported into the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMAs I have already stated in the House, the inquiry will be of the most comprehensive character.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Committee to have regard to previous inquiries, especially the inquiry carried out by a Committee appointed by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for St. Ives (Mr. Runciman), which reported in favour of Protection for these industries?
§ Mr. REMERIn view of the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given, may we take it that the inquiry will relate to the wages in the iron and steel industries?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have already assured the House in this and another connection that these inquiries will be of the most comprehensive Character, and every factor bearing directly or indirectly on the issue will be taken into account.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position 202 to announce the name of the committee and the terms of reference?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI hope almost immediately.
§ Commander BELLAIRSMay I have an answer to my supplementary question?
§ Mr. GRAHAMAs regards previous inquiries, it would be an obvious waste of time for any committee not to have regard to the material previously collected. That will be summarised and made available for the Committee which we propose to appoint.
§ Sir H. CROFTrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is a large number of questions on the Paper, and we really must get on.