HC Deb 03 June 1931 vol 253 c194
31. Mr. O. LEWIS

asked the President of the Board of Trade the output of steel ingots and castings in Great Britain during the month of April in the years 1930 and 1931 respectively?

Mr. W. R. SMITH

According to the statistics collected by the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers, the output of steel ingots and castings in the United Kingdom amounted to 696,100 tons in April, 1930, and 397,400 tons in April, 1931.

Mr. LEWIS

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what, if anything, the Government are going to do to increase output?

Mr. SMITH

I think my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has stated several times that he is in consultation with the industry with a view to taking steps that may be helpful in that direction.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is not increasing the demand the way to increase the output?