§ 43. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement about the remodelling of the steel mills on the North-East Coast and in South Wales and report upon the steps which have been or will be taken to replace worn-out equipment?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe measures to be taken with the object to which the hon. Member refers must depend upon the outcome of the negotiations referred to in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone (Mr. Rennie Smith) on the 15th December last. I am 1849 sending the hon. Member a, copy of that reply, to which I am not in a position to add.
§ Mr. WISEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of laying a White Paper stating what progress has been made in regard to carrying into effect the report of the iron and steel committee which the Government set up?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI could not, at this stage, promise to lay any White Paper, but I will undertake to tell the House at a suitable opportunity what has been done in the matter of industrial re-organisation, but beyond that I should not like to go this afternoon.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that many modern mills in that district are closed for lack of work?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe whole position of this industry is under review, including, of course, the position of plant which is efficient in every way.