HC Deb 17 December 1928 vol 223 c2603
50. Mr. BATEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been a reduction in the prices for iron and steel through the freight relief on public railways which commenced on 1st December, 1928, and the average amount of such reduction?

Mr. HACKING

I understand that there has been no substantial change in iron and steel prices since the 1st December. The materials which were used in the manufacture of the iron and steel now being sold were no doubt brought to the iron and steel works some weeks or months ago.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that while the policy of the Government was to give this particular relief in order that iron and steel might be cheapened, a lower price is not being charged for iron and steel?

Mr. HACKING

There was no relief upon freight on the raw materials that were used for the manufacture of iron and steel which is now being sold.

Mr. BATEY

Has there not been coal carried to iron and steel works since the 4th December? Has that tended to decrease the price of iron and steel?

Mr. HACKING

It. will do. The iron and steel which is now being sold was manufactured from raw materials which were in stock before the freight relief came into existence.