§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on account of the export of pig-iron from this country several foundries, forges, and steel furnaces are idle; and whether he will make arrangements to have the ex- 1473W portation of pig-iron stopped in order that this idle plant may be restarted?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs I have stated on several occasions recently in this House, there is undoubtedly a serious shortage of pig-iron, which is affecting a number of industries. I am in constant communicacation with the producers of pig-iron on the subject, and there is no reason to think that the export is an important factor in bringing about the shortage since it is being voluntarily restricted in those classes of pig-iron which the British trade requires. As I informed the right hon. Member for Stirling and Falkirk (Mr. Macdonald) on the 5th July, I am satisfied that the iron masters are doing all in their power, by restriction on export and by increased production, to meet domestic requirements