HC Deb 24 April 1934 vol 288 cc1526-7
14. Mr. HOWARD

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps he proposes to take to safeguard the British iron industry against undue competition from within the Empire, having regard to the fact that the imports of pig-iron from India increased from 15,372 tons for the three months January to March, 1933, to 23,213 tons for the same months in 1934?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware of the figures to which my hon. Friend refers; but I would point out that the tonnage imported in the first quarter of 1934 was still below that imported in the first quarter of 1932. By undertaking, in the United Kingdom-Indian Ottawa Agreement, to continue duty-free entry for Indian pig-iron, valuable tariff preferences were obtained for the exports of United Kingdom iron and steel goods to India, the value of which has been substantially greater than last year.

19. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that iron and steel imports at the rate of 1,500,000 tons per annum are entering the British market in competition with local production, he will state what measures are contemplated by the Government, in co-operation with the newly-established British Iron and Steel Federation, for more adequate protection of British iron and steel manufacturers?

20. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of iron and steel have increased from 244,000 tons in the first three months of 1933 to 364,000 tons in the same period of 1934; and, under these circumstances, if he will introduce legislation to provide for an upward revision of the duties on iron and steel at an early date?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware of the increased imports to which my hon. Friends draw attention. As regards the last part of the questions, I would refer to the reply given on the 17th April to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward).

Mr. HANNON

Are we to understand that there is to be continuous co-operation between the Board of Trade and the British Iron and Steel Federation in order to take such steps as may be necessary to give the fullest opportunity for the production of steel in this country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

That is the object that we have had in view in facilitating the setting up of that body.