§ 25. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a group, acting on behalf of Messrs. Colvilles, are negotiating to acquire the controlling interest in the iron and steel trades industry in Scotland; and what action is to be taken by the Government to protect consumers against the establishment of a monopoly in the manufacture of steel?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)I have seen reports in the Press of a proposed further concentration of the steel industry in Scotland, but no question of a monopoly arises.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the hon. Gentleman ask the President of the Board of Trade what action will be taken in the event of this monopoly taking place?
§ Mr. PIKEWill the hon. Gentleman also suggest to the President of the Board of Trade that it is advisable that no one branch of an industrial workers' union should have a monopoly of membership of the workers employed by this concern?