§ 98. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Supply when, and to what extent, he has attempted to obtain supplies of steel from the United States; and what was the reply received from America.
§ Mr. J. JonesContracts for the supply of substantial tonnages of steel have been negotiated with steel producing companies in the U.S.A., but it would not be in the public interest to give the quantities involved. Owing to the pressure of their own domestic demands, especially for semi-finished steel, the producers have been unable in most cases to quote firm delivery dates, and imports, which have averaged about 16,500 tons a month this year, are much below the quantities on order.
§ Mr. Ewartasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to see that file steel is produced in this country in reasonable quantities, particularly in view of the small percentage of the total steel production which need be consumed in this trade.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI have been asked to reply. Supplies of file steel from domestic production are running somewhat below demand. Expansion of output 167W could only be achieved by the diversion of high carbon steel from other important uses, but arrangements have now been made to import appreciable quantities of this particular type of steel.
§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Supply when Messrs. G. E. Whiteley, Upper Lane Mills, Westgate, Cleckheaton, will receive the allocation of three tons of carbon steel and one ton of mild steel wire which they require to produce hardened and tempered brush wire for the export trade, and so put into operation plant now standing idle.
§ Mr. J. JonesI am making inquiries into this case and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.