§ 62. Mr. Hardieasked the President of the Board of Trade how many coal mines, steel plants, and blast furnaces in Scotland are idle or closed down in the past four years?
§ Mr. RuncimanDuring the four years ended 31st December, 1936, 56 coal pits in Scotland, employing 10 men and over, have been closed and have not since reopened. I am informed that no blast furnaces or steel melting plants in Scotland have been closed since 1932. Indeed, in the period 1933–36, the number of blast furnaces in Scotland increased from two to 15 and the number of open hearth steel furnaces from 18 to 28. Three rolling mills have been closed in Scotland since 1932.
§ Mr. HardieWhy do not the Government take further measures to open up more of these vacant premises in Scotland—these coal mines and steel plants which have been closed down?
§ Mr. RuncimanThe hon. Member is presuming that the Government have power to open such premises. That is not so.
§ Mr. HardieWhy do not the Governrnent take powers to revive trade? Is it not for his Department to see that these things are done?
§ 63. Mr. Hardieasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give 962 any explanation for the shortage of raw steel for the purposes of re-rolling in Scotland?
§ Mr. RuncimanAs stated in the recent report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, the world demand for steel has been tending to outrun the supply. I am not aware that the position in this respect is more difficult in Scotland than in other parts of the world.
§ Mr. HardieIs it not the fact that we have the plant for this purpose in Scotland, and why do not the Government make the steel industry, which has been given protection by the Government, do its duty in this matter?