§ 31. Mr. MITCHESONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the greater part of the coal used in the production of iron and steel is that used in the production of the primary forms of iron and steel; and whether, in order to provide more employ- 494 ment in the coal mines in this country, he will take steps to restrict further the importation into this country of those classes of iron and steel goods which can be made efficiently in this country, but which are being imported in large quantities for the purposes of further processing?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)If my hon. Friend's suggestion is that, for the reasons stated by him, the primary branches of the industry should be protected without regard to the interests of the finishing branches, I fear I cannot accept that view. In any case the question of any variation in the protection given to any part of the industry is a matter in the first place for the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWould my hon. Friend give this matter further consideration if he should receive from those responsible for the iron and steel trade a definite assurance that prices would not be advanced in the home market if these duties were given?
§ 32. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that the imports into this country of pig-iron, steel blooms and billets, steel sections, steel bars, and steel wire after importation pass through further processes, it is intended to remove the duties on such goods on their importation into this country?
§ Dr. BURGINAny question of a variation in the duties payable on these goods is a matter for the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the first instance.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo I understand that the Government are entirely debarred from taking any action on their own initiative?
§ Dr. BURGINNo, Sir. The fact that the hon. Member's question asks that a duty should be taken off has not passed without notice and comment.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHaving regard to the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary stated recently that the imports of these goods were not regarded as disadvantages in the circumstances, do I understand that he thinks that the duties ought to be removed?
§ Dr. BURGINThe whole question of the removal or addition of duties is one for the Import Duties Advisory Committee, in the promotion of which the hon. Member took so active a part.