§ 40. Mr. EDWARDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the cases where he has received communications from local authorities in which iron and steel works exist about the suggested reorganisation of this industry and its possible effect on the district, he will take steps to acquaint such local authorities as soon as practicable of what is intended to be done so as to allay any anxiety that may exist?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)The hon. Member's suggestion has been noted, but as the initiative in these matters lies with the private interests concerned, proposed changes are not likely to come to my right hon. Friend's notice before they are known in the districts affected.
Captain ARTHUR EVANSIs my hon. Friend aware that although he states this is a matter for private interests, negotiations have ben taking place between the local authorities of the city of Cardiff and British (Guest, Keen Baldwins) Iron and Steel Company, on the question of the reorganisation and expansion of the industry in that area, and that the Import Duties Advisory Committee have written to the Chairman of that firm saying that they explicitly contemplate the possibility that the import duties will not be extended and indicating that in any event there must be——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is not in order now.