§ 8. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement with regard to the progress of the reorganisation up to the present time of the iron and steel trade and the proposals to be carried out in the near future?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANInformation as to the progress of reorganisation of the iron and steel industry has been published in the various reports of the Import Duties Advisory Committee which have been laid before Parliament, and further information will be contained in the White Paper shortly to be issued in connection with Clause 6 of the Finance Bill. As announced in the Press from time to 783 time, important schemes of development have taken and are taking place, and further schemes are under active consideration in the industry.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHHas not the claim that if adequate protection were given to this industry prices in the home market would rapidly rise proved to be unfounded, and that the price level in the home market is almost static?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe information for which the hon. Member asks is in the White Paper.
§ 9. Mr. WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the output of the iron and steel industry in this country, together with
| Statement showing the total value of United Kingdom trade in merchandise during the year 1935 with (a) British Colonies and Protectorates and (b) Countries mandated to the United Kingdom. | ||||
| — | Imports. | Exports. | ||
| Produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom. | Imported merchandise. | Total. | ||
| £'000. | £'000. | £'000. | £'000. | |
| British Colonies and Protectorates.* | 46,050 | 35,841 | 1,384 | 37,225 |
| Countries mandated to the United Kingdom. | 3,520 | 3,198 | 69 | 3,267 |
| * Including Togoland and Cameroons (under British mandate) and New Hebrides (British and French condominium), for which separate particulars are not available. |