§ 15. Mr. R. Aclandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any and, if so, what increase in the price of steel rods for reinforced concrete has been approved by the Import Duties Advisory Committee during the last 18 months?
Mr. StanleyThe price of steel rods for reinforced concrete was increased with the assent of the Import Duties Advisory Committee on 1st June, 1936, by 6s. a ton; on 1st January, 1937, by 3s. a ton; and on 1st May, 1937, by £1 19s. a ton for rods of untested quality and by £2 8s. a ton for rods of tested and guaranteed quality.
§ Mr. AclandCan the right hon. Gentleman say, roughly, what 3s. per ton increase since June, 1937, represents as a percentage?
Mr. StanleyIf the hon. Member can do the arithmetic, I can tell him that the price before that increase was £8 9s. per ton.
§ Mr. AclandIf I bring to his notice a case of an increase of 27 per cent., will he look into it and ascertain whether it is right?
Mr. AlexanderIs the President aware that in many cases where the supply of structural steel cannot be obtained for building clients have been recommended to use concrete construction, and that this heavy increase of duty is stopping that method of building as well?
Mr. StanleyThe right hon. Member will realise that these increases are the inevitable consequence of the increase some time ago in basic steel prices.
§ Mr. PeatIs it not the case that the British price for this steel is still below the American price and the Continental price?