HC Deb 02 June 1931 vol 253 cc7-8
9. Major COLVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the statement sent to him by the the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation regard to the situation in the iron and steel industry; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

15. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the statement prepared and sent to him by the executive council of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation on the situation in the iron and steel industry; and if His Majesty's Government propose to take any action on the proposals embodied therein?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The reply to the first part of the questions is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer to the reply given on 12th May to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer).

Major COLVILLE

Is it not the case that in this important document it is stated that in no other country is the iron and steel trade not afforded some measure of protection in its home market?

Mr. GRAHAM

A statement rather to that effect is one of many statements in that report. As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, I have promised to review that matter in the course of the debate on the Board of Trade Vote.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman do anything to bring together the two parties concerned, in order to see whether any policy can be evolved which will help in the present situation?

Mr. GRAHAM

The parties have been brought together on several occasions. In point of fact, there have been regular negotiations with both sides, separately and jointly.

Mr. HANNON

Are not the two parties practically agreed upon a policy if the Government would give effect to it?

Mr. BROCKWAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to be able to make a statement to the House on the reorganisation of the industry?

Mr. GRAHAM

That matter, of course, lies with the Opposition, or one section of the Opposition as regards putting down the Board of Trade Vote.

HON. MEMBERS

What section?

Major BEAUMONT THOMAS

Is it not a fact that there is a universal demand, not only from this House, but also from the industry, that the Government should take some action with regard to the matter?