HC Deb 03 May 1938 vol 335 cc673-4
4. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing surplus of pig iron; and whether he will help the manufacturers and workmen affected by the closing down of blast furnaces by arranging for the re-opening of warrant stores or some form of Government guarantee?

Captain Wallace

I am aware that pig iron has recently been going into stock. Any question of reviving the warrant stores for pig iron is a matter for the trades concerned, but my right hon. Friend cannot see his way to adopt the suggestion for a Government guarantee. An application from the industry for the imposition of a duty on foreign pig iron has been made to the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and is at present under consideration. I hope that an announcement will be made shortly.

Mr. Edwards

Are not the Government concerned about the serious shortage of pig iron that may arise if blast furnaces in this country are allowed to go out, and about the serious unemployment which this will involve, at a time when, in the same district, the Government are appealing to trade unions for dilution of labour? Is not this a matter of serious concern from the point of view of national defence?

Captain Wallace

I think that what I have said answers the hon. Member's question. We are aware that pig iron is going into stock, and the result is that an application has been made for a duty on foreign pig iron. If that application is recommended and approved, no doubt more home-made pig iron will be used.

Mr. Edwards

In view of the seriousness of this question and the unsatisfactory nature of the answer that has been given, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

5. Mr. Edwards

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many blast furnaces have been closed down in the last six months, and the amount of pig-iron imported during the same period?

Captain Wallace

The number of blast furnaces in operation at the end of March was 118, as compared with 132 six months earlier. The total quantity of pig-iron imported from British and foreign countries in the six months ended 31st March was 461,182 tons.

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