§ Mr. SEDDONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the cost of production of tinplate and galvanised sheets is lower in the United States of America than in the United Kingdom, and that the price in the United Kingdom is rising in consequence of increases in wages and cost of coal and materials; and what steps it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to take to enable the tinplate and galvanised iron industries of the United Kingdom to compete successfully with the United States of America in the manufacture of these articles both for home use and for sale in neutral and Allied countries?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am aware that the facts are broadly as stated by the hon. Gentleman. I am informed, however, that the tinplate industry in this country finds a ready market for all its products, and, in view of the vital importance of encouraging the export trade of the country, I am not prepared at the moment to take any steps which might restrict the available supply of such goods which are required for working up by other industries. When the present transition period comes to an end, in the autumn, the situation will doubtless be altered in many respects, and the hon. Gentleman may rest assured that in considering the question of general trade policy the point he has raised is not being lost sight of.