25.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to set up an inquiry into the engineering industry on the lines of those now being held into the cotton and iron and steel industries?
There is no present intention of appointing such a Committee.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the extent of the unemployment prevailing in the engineering industry, especially on the North East Coast?
Yes, that is unfortunately true; but various committees are investigating,, at all events, allied subjects, and just at the moment we do not propose to appoint another on this subject, but the condition of the industry is constantly before us.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the engineering industry, as regards the number of unemployed, compares unfavourably with either of the two industries which are at present being investigated by committees?
I could not, off-hand, reply on that point, but I can assure the hon. Member that we have the condition of engineering under constant review. It is, unfortunately, serious.
Are the other two industries really being considered?
Oh, certainly.