14. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Trade details of the imports and exports of iron and steel products for the four months ending 30th April, 1935, 1936, and 1937, respectively?
Mr. StanleyThe hon. Member will find the desired information on pages 67 to 70 and 143 to 150 of the Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom for April, 1937.
§ 15. Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties of Ductile Steels, Limited, Willenhall, in obtaining steel billets and slabs for re-rolling; that a productive capacity of 600 tons per week is completely at a standstill and that substantial unemployment has resulted; and whether he will endeavour to arrange that such steel as is available from home or foreign sources shall be fairly distributed on a proportional basis to users?
Mr. StanleyI was not aware of the recent difficulties of this particular company, but I have made inquiries and understand that its production this year has been at a higher rate than last year and that it is a member of the Re-rollers' Association, which has an understanding with the steelmakers regarding the distribution of available supplies of billets. Every effort is being made to meet the great increase in demand for steel, and I have no reason to think that this company is not obtaining a fair share of the available supplies.
§ Mr. ManderIs my right hon. Friend aware that this firm is well satisfied with the results of the action recently taken to help it in the matter?
§ 16. Miss Wilkinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he 997 can give any indication as to when the report of the steel inquiry may be expected?
Mr. StanleyThis report reached me last night, and I am arranging to publish it as soon as possible.