§ 54. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any hematite or basic furnaces have been damped down during the past two months; the number of furnaces there are available for use on the North-East coast; and how many of them are now in blast?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMDuring the months of March and April one basic and two hematite furnaces were "damped down" in the United Kingdom. There are 95 blast furnaces in the North-East Coast district, but some of these are held in reserve and others are under repair. It is not possible to say how many could be in blast at one time, taking into account the blowing capacity of the engines. At the end of April, 1930, there were 39 furnaces in blast in that district.
§ Mr. SAMUELIn view of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman will he take steps to examine the position of the blast furnaces in relation to the 3,900,000 tons of imported foreign iron and steel?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI will look at that point, which, I think, bears upon other questions recently asked by my hon. Friend.
§ 58. Mr. SAMUELasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has yet taken any steps to arrange for the importation into Britain of high-grade iron ore of the Brazilian province of Minas Geraes against mutually arranged shipments to Brazil of British iron and steel manufacturers?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe concession for the development of the iron ore resources to which the hon. Member is no doubt referring is in the hands of a British 1295 company, but negotiations regarding the actual operation of the scheme are still proceeding, and it is unlikely that supplies of the ore will be available for some time.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs not this a matter in which the right hon. Gentleman can take some action by his own personal initiative?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, Sir, but I cannot pronounce on that matter to-day, for the simple reason that negotiations with these companies are proceeding.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Americans are taking active steps in this matter?