HC Deb 25 November 1930 vol 245 cc1061-2
9 and 10. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether and, if so, to what extent iron and steel are being imported into this country at less than the cost of production in the country of origin.; said if he will name the countries concerned;

(2) what are the chief commodities, so far as he has knowledge, which are being imported into this country at less than the cost of production and from which countries they come?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

I regret that particulars are not available which would enable me to give my hon. Friend the information he desires.

Mr. WELLOCK

Were not these facts required for the Imperial Conference?

Mr. GRAHAM

Not on this subject.

Sir PHILIP CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Were they not required, at any rate, for the Tariff Truce Conference?

Mr. GRAHAM

I think not even in that connection.

Sir A. POWNALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries from commercial counsellors abroad in order to get this information?

Mr. GRAHAM

Of course, there are innumerable references to the subject, but it is virtually impossible to get actual details regarding the cost of production; the preceding Government found that, under a Clause which was repealed in the last Finance Act.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman want to get this information?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes; it is my abiding desire to get all the information that I can.