HC Deb 07 December 1922 vol 159 cc2023-4W
Mr. PONSONBY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain firms in Sheffield which desire to replace such plant as is only suitable for the manufacture of heavy armaments by machinery of a lighter character have been requested by the Government to retain this plant; and whether special consideration may be given to these cases in order that the firms in question may be released from this obligation and allowed to make

1913. 1914. 1920. 1921.
Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.
Europe 11.2 (a) (a) (a)
United States of America 15.2 16.1 9.7 9.5
South America (b) 20.1 28.1 (c) 22.5 (d) (a)
British Self-governing Dominions 39.0 38.5 31.9 36.8
(a) Cannot be given.
(b) Not including Venezuela, Colombia, Paraguay or the Guianas.
(c) The corresponding percentage for countries other than Bolivia is 28.3.
(d) Not including Bolivia.

Mr. MOREL

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the volume of trade (exports and imports separately)

arrangements for the manufacture of articles and implements of a productive character?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

I have been asked to reply. Certain firms were requested after the War not to dismantle plant suitable for the manufacture of heavy armaments without obtaining Admiralty sanction. Immediately a definite decision is arrived at as to the building of the two new capital ships provided for under the Washington Agreement, these firms will receive information from the Admiralty as to the extent of the requirements of heavy armaments, and they will then be in a position to judge what proportion of their plant will be required for that purpose and what portion can be released for other work.