§ Mr. NORMAN CRAIGasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity of pig-iron imported into this country in May, 1909, and May, 1910, respectively; whether he is aware that during the last two months there has been great dislocation in the iron trade resulting in many men working short time; whether this state of unemployment has been in any way due to dumping by foreign producers; and what number of furnaces have been blown out during the past month?
Mr. BUXTONThe total quantity of pig-iron imported into the United Kingdom in May last was 18,382 tons; the quantity in May, 1909, having been only 2,523 tons. The information in the possession of the Board of Trade is to the effect that employment in the pig-iron industry has been better in both April and May than a year ago. I am not aware that the practice of short time prevails in this industry. The returns received, relating to the works of 108 ironmasters and covering the great bulk of the trade, show that none of their furnaces were blown out in May, though one furnace was damped down in Lancashire. On the other hand, two furnaces (one in Yorkshire and one in Staffordshire) were relit during the month.