§ 41. Mr. STOREYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the only rolling mills and rivet works on the River Wear has been sold for dismantling on account of its inability to obtain orders, owing to the import of foreign rivets into registered shipyards free of duty; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect the remaining rivet works on the northeast coast from foreign competition?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I am not aware that the rivet industry is in difficulty on account of foreign competition. The latest information I have is that production in this country of iron and steel rivets and washers is increasing. In 1934 production amounted to 61,000 tons, whereas imports have for some years been less than 3,000 tons.
§ Mr. STOREYIs my hon. Friend not aware that one rivet works has been sold for dismantling only this week and another on the north-east, coast is not working, and does he not think that it is absurd that the remnants of Free. Trade should be allowed to kill an industry in a Special Area, particularly as the cost of protection would only be about £200 on a 9,000 ton ship?
§ Mr. BENSONDoes the hon. Gentleman not feel that he would be able to satisfy his Friends by stopping all imports of all kinds?
Miss WARDWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving further examination to the points raised by the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Storey).