§ 22. Mr. Quibellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the essential raw materials are on the spot at Scunthorpe (Lincolnshire), he will do nothing to discourage the normal extension and development of iron and steel production in this important ironstone area?
§ Mr. RuncimanAs was stated in the reply given to the hon. Members for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay) and for the Clayton Division (Mr. Jagger) on 3rd February, the Import Duties Advisory Committee are satisfied that the scheme of development which has been announced for this area is necessary and in the national interest.
§ Mr. QuibellIs the Minister aware that this is the extension of an existing steel works and not the establishment of a new one?
§ Mr. RuncimanI am not sure whether I can accept that definition of the scheme.
§ 33. Sir Percy Harrisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many industries, including the building trade and the cutlers and hardware industries, are not able to obtain supplies of steel to meet their requirements, owing to the diversion of steel to armament purposes; and what action he proposes to take to increase supplies?
§ Mr. RuncimanIt is well known that the greatly increased consumption of steel for many purposes is causing some difficulty in meeting all demands, but production in this country is increasing, and the British Iron and Steel Federation is making every effort to increase supplies.
§ Sir P. HarrisWill the right hon. Gentleman consider lowering the duties on imported steel, so that the area of supply may be increased?
§ Mr. RuncimanI am afraid that that would not help.
§ Miss WilkinsonHave the Government any plans for a general increase in the production of steel, other than the already proved wrong advice given by the British Iron and Steel Trades. Federation?