HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 cc868-9
40. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the tonnage and value of the steel and iron of all descriptions imported into this country during the past six months or during the latest six months for which he has a record, the date thereof, and from what countries; and the tonnage and value of steel and iron of all descriptions exported during the same period?

Sir A. GEDDES

Two hundred and four thousand seven hundred and twenty-two tons of iron and steel and manufactures thereof, valued at £5,021,000, were registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the six months ended 30th June, 1919. Of this quantity 154,155 tons were consigned from the United States of America, 31,682 tons from Sweden, and 17,079 tons from Canada, the respective values being £3,251,000, £1,145,000, and £527,000. During the same period 1,033,732 tons of iron and steel and manufactures thereof, valued at £27,717,000, were registered as exported from the United Kingdom.

13. Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what is the estimated loss in wages to British labour by the placing of a contract for £100,000 worth of steel rails in the United States; and whether he can give an approximate estimate of the cost of the coal consumed in the production of a ton of steel rails?

Sir A. GEDDES

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 17th July, I am not in a position to give the wages estimate asked for, but I would point out that the figure would be small, as, in view of the demand for steel, it would relate only to the wages paid for the rolling of the quantity of rails in question. The approximate cost of the coal consumed in the production of 1 ton of steel rails, starting from iron ore, would, at the prices recently ruling, be about 70s. to £4.

Brigadier-General CROFT

Is that sufficient to make the difference between the price of steel rails purchased in America and the price of those purchased in this country?

Sir A. GEDDES

It is not quite sufficient.

Brigadier-General CROFT

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into it?