6. Miss WARDasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the tonnage of retained imports of iron and steel in the first two months of 1934 was only 3 per cent. below the level of those in the same period of 1923; and, having regard to this fact, is he prepared to introduce legislation for the purpose of restricting these imports to a point below their present level?
§ Dr. BURGINI am aware of the figures to which my hon. Friend refers, but any question of a variation in the duties payable on these goods is a matter for the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the first instance.
§ 48. Mr. PIKEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when an announcement will be made for the purpose of removing the doubt which prevails as to the continuance of the present scale of duties on iron and steel after 25th October next.?
52. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that the retained imports of steel bars, rods, etc., increased from 32,407 tons in the first two months of 1933 to 66,909 tons in the same period of 1934, he will make an early statement with regard to the fixing of the iron and steel duties in view of the uncertainty which now prevails, and which is delaying the erection of new plant for the production of steel bars?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Cardiff South (Captain A. Evans) on the 15th February last and the letter from the Import Duties Advisory Committee mentioned therein. I do not think that I can usefully add anything at present, except to say that the Import Duties Advisory Committee will no doubt make their report and recommendations on the subject in due course. I understand that a decision on the proposed scheme for a new central organisation for the industry is to be taken on Thursday next.