asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion the imports of iron and steel into the United Kingdom bear to the total of iron and steel manufactured in the United Kingdom in September and October of 1931; and how this proportion compared with the proportion of imports of total make in September and October of 1930?

During September, 1931, the proportion that the imports of pig-iron, ferro-alloys and steel ingots and castings into the United Kingdom bore to the quantity produced in this country was 2.93 per cent., compared with 3.51 per cent. during September, 1930. During October, 1931, the proportion was 4.61 per cent., compared with 3.81 per cent. during October, 1930.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that steps will be taken forthwith to stem the flow of imports of iron and steel, which are unnecessarily increasing the adverse, trade balance?

The matter is having our constant consideration.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received a report from his Department as to whether there are or are not abnormal imports of iron and steel at the present time?

Captain ARTHUR EVANS:

May we ask for an announcement on this subject from the right hon. Gentleman before the House rises?

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the reasons for the exclusion of Great Britain from the Report of Delegation, Command Paper 3601, on the industrial conditions in the iron and steel industries, June, 1930?

The reason that this report deals only with the industrial conditions in iron and steel industries abroad is that it was specially prepared to supply information on this subject to the Committee of the Economic Advisory Council which was at that time considering the position of the iron and steel industry in this country.

When may we expect a report concerning the British industries?

That question has been dealt with again and again in this House.