§ 79. Mr. R. ACLANDasked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the increasing demand for steel of all kinds, whether he is satisfied with the proposals of the British Iron and Steel Federation that imports of steel from abroad should be reduced from 670,000 to 525,000 tons; and whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure that more adequate supplies are made available?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs was explained in the White Paper on the British iron and steel industry which was published in the summer as Cmd. 5201, the British Iron and Steel Federation have undertaken to use their best endeavours to ensure that adequate supplies of suitable steel are at all times available to meet the reasonable requirements of British consumers. In pursuance of this undertaking, and in order to meet the increased demands of consumers, the Federation have already arranged with the Continental Cartel for the importation of supplies of steel in addition to those provided for in the Agreement.
§ Mr. ACLANDHow great is the excess which the British Federation have agreed to?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Federation have already ordered from the Cartel about 300,000 tons of iron and steel in addition to the amount provided for in the agreement.
§ Mr. THORNEWhere can I obtain information about the names of firms that are importing steel?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Member will put down a question I will see whether I can give him the information myself.
§ Mr. ACLANDIs it not the fact that with that increase the imports are still less than one-third of what they were in 1929 in spite of the fact that famine conditions exist in the steel industry?
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman really satisfied with the position of this increasing importation of steel which could be made by unemployed men?