§ 40. Sir N. Grattan-Doyleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of steel supply, he will establish a priority board for the purpose of allocating the available supply to the purposes for which it is most required in the national interests?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Euan Wallace)The British Iron and Steel Federation has taken steps through its affiliated associations to ensure, so far as practicable, an equitable distribution of the available supplies of iron and steel with due regard to urgent requirements. My right hon. Friend does not think that in the circumstances the appointment of such a body as is suggested by my hon. Friend would be justified.
§ Miss WilkinsonWill not the fact that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer contains so many qualifications mean that the Iron and Steel Trade Federation can do precisely what it likes; and is it not necessary to have some priority board representing interests other than the Iron and Steel Trade Federation?
§ Captain WallaceNo, Sir, I do not think that that would be so. Such a scheme could not come into operation for some months. Legislation would be necessary to make it operate effectively, and I do not imagine that anybody would be satisfied with it if it did come into operation.
§ Mr. ShinwellDid not the Import Duties Advisory Committee, in their recent report, make a recommendation to the effect that an independent body should be established for this purpose; and does it in fact require legislation? Is it not within the power of the Iron and Steel Federation to agree at once to the establishment of such an independent body?
§ Captain WallaceThat is a different question, of which I should require notice.