§ 49. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has made any further inquiries into the published statements affirming that the price of MS joists has risen during the past year from £4 12s. 6d. to £9 12s. 6d. and MS bars from £4 17s. 6d. to £10?
§ Sir T. InskipYes, Sir. I am informed that the prices referred to are f.o.b. Antwerp, and only prices for shipment to the East. They do not apply to British material or to sales in this country.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the circular in question, which was issued by William Jackson and Company, is being sent out to firms in this country?
§ Sir T. InskipI have no information to that effect, but I will accept it from the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. JohnstonHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the circular in question, and has he communicated with William Jackson and Company as to the undesirability of issuing statements which might be misinterpreted?
§ Sir T. InskipI will consider the suggestion, but I would point out that the word "nominal" appears, which indicates that the quotations are not very important.
§ Mr. Louis SmithHaving regard to the fact that figures are published which are found to be incorrect, will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Iron and Steel Federation the desirability of having authentic figures published from time to time?
§ Sir T. InskipI will consider that suggestion, but I do not think there is any doubt at all as to the prices of iron and steel issued by the Iron and Steel Federation.