HC Deb 02 December 1925 vol 188 cc2258-9W
Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state for the years 1913, 1920, and 1924 the number of male and female employés, respectively, in the cutlery trades in Sheffield; the average number unemployed; the number insured; and the average number receiving benefit?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Separate statistics for the cutlery trade in Sheffield are not available, as this trade is included with other trades in the industrial grouping into which the unemployment statistics of this Ministry are divided.

Mr. WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state for the years 1913, 1920, and 1924, respectively, the amount and value of French, German, and American cutlery imported into this country; and whether any of it, and, if so, which, bears any genuine indication of origin?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

I would refer the hon. Member to the figures given in Appendix II of the Report of the Committee on Cutlery (Cmd. 2540). As regards the second part of the question I have no information.

Mr. WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Board of Trade Committee on Imported Cutlery stated on 22nd October and 13th November that it was the intention of the Committee to visit Sheffield and obtain information at first hand; whether arrangements were made for such visit; and why it was cancelled?

Mr. SAMUEL

I understand that the Committee announced their intention of visiting Sheffield after the close of the evidence, and What tentative arrangements were made. The question of what evidence was necessary for the purposes of their inquiry was one solely for the Committee, and it must be assumed that, on reviewing the available evidence, they decided that the proposed visit was not necessary.

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