§ 52. Sir HENRY JACKSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the average number of workpeople employed per week in the gas-mantle industry during the last quarter of 1924 and the last quarter of 1928, respectively?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSFrom the information supplied by the manufacturers, it is estimated that the average number of workers employed in the gas mantle industry during the last quarters of 1924 and 1928 was about 1,900 and 2,200, respectively.
Mr. BENNDid the gas mantle manufacturers that he mentions say what is the bonus paid to the German combine?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI understand that, after the industry was safeguarded, an arrangement was made with the German manufacturers whereby the British industry had the great advantage of having no competition from Germany.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASIs it true that the combine on this side pay a fixed price per mantle to the Germans for keeping out?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI believe it is true that, after the industry was safeguarded, a very satisfactory arrangement for the British industry was concluded on those lines.
Mr. BENNAs the hon. Gentleman knows so much about it, cannot he tell us the amount of this Danegeld?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSNo, because the details were not disclosed.