TO BREAK THE GERMAN METAL RING

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 69, 14 December 1917, Page 7

TO BREAK THE GERMAN METAL RING

BILL IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS' FEELING AMONGST MEMBERS London, December 12. In the House of Commons tho Non j Ferrous Motals Bill was read a second timo by 182 votes to 79.

Mr.' ilunciman declared that the Bi'l was unworthy of tho British nation. The Government should also consider how far it conflicted with President Wilson's economic policy. Mr. Bonar Law declared tliat the Bill was based on resolutions passed by tho Paris Conference. He denied that. it would interfere to any extent with trade. Ho reiterated that we must stop German penetration. It was essential to let our enemies know that we realised the powers we had, and that when the timo tamo wo would not hesitate to use them. It was perfectly plain that many members of tho Hot so thought that it would he the right thing after the war to treat Germany precisely aa in the past. (Cries of "Never 1") "The Bill," added Mr. Bonar Law, "was really raised by an issue of policy. Members had to decide whether they meant to make a change in relations with Germany after tho war."

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Albert H. Stanley), in Wing tho second reading cf the Non-Ferrous Motal Industry Bill in tho Houso of Commons on December 3, said "Ever since tlie Paris Economic Conference the Goveniment has been in consultation with the Dominions and the French. Government for tho pur-, poso of giving practical, effect to the conference's resolutions, imposing upon tho Allied Governments tho duty of making their countries independent ct their enemies in regard t,n essential commodities. We have succeeded, owing to the war in freeing ourselves from Germany's stranglehold, and it is necessary to prevent German interests ovor again obtaining . a death grasp upon our vital industries ■which control of motals before the war pave them, particularly in regard to spelter, lead, copper, aluminium, and tin. Owing to this German dominance wo suffered great embarrassment at tho outbreak of war. This Bill provides that it shall be unlawful for any company, firm, or individual to carrv on the business cf extracting, smelting, dressing, and refining, or wholesale trading .in the metals or motallio ores to which the Bill applies, except under licence. The liconco will lie rescinded if, later mi, it is proved that one-fifth of the capital directly or indirectly belongs to a_GerJ man syndicate. The Board of Trade is empowered to require certain information and inspcct books, ihe Hill will remain, in operation for five years after the war. It is not drafted in the interests of traders, but is designed m the national interests." Mr. J. M'D. Henderson (Liberal member for West Aberdeenshire) moved the rejection of tho Bill. It was uitruo that the Germans controlled tho principal metals. We arid our Allies did Tho Bill was due to intense fear or jealousy, or something.worse, and amounted to an eoonomic boycott. America would never consent to it. There was considerable opposition to the measure by members objecting to Government control of industries.