REQUEST FOR ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1929, Page 8

REQUEST FOR ENQUIRY

MR BALDWIN’S REFUSAL

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, February 23

In reply to the request- of the Iron and Steel Trade’s Confederation for a Commission of Enquiry into the condition of the industry, the Prime .Minister, while expressing sympathy with their difficulties, says he thinks an enquiry would not he helpful to tire industry.

He points out that the Committee of Industry and Trade nod sitting under the chairmanship of Sir Arthur IBalfour, has already presented a detailed report on the iron and steel industry, and says it is obviously unnecessary that any enquiry should traverse again the ground so recently covered by tbc Balfour Committee. Moreover, in framing tbc rating reform fJ.Tiomo, tlige Government bad paid particular attention to the needs of iron and steel and reliefs under that scheme, both from the viewpoint of rates and railway freights are designed and calculated to he special benefits to this particular industry. It is the policy of tbc Conservative Government, if returned to power to to allow the iron and stool industry to make application under the safeguarding of industries'procedure. It will then have an opportunity of stating its ease before an independent tribunal. The Executive of the Confederation in reply, expressed disappointment at the Prime Minister’s decision. They say the course suggested by tbc Prime Minister would involve unnecessary dedelay and as it word'd he dependent on the General Election would introduce an element of political controversy.

They added that the Balfour Committee’s general survey would not be smffieiently complete as: regards the iron and steel industry. The executive hope that the Prime Minister may find it possible on reconsideration to set up a committee as they proposed.