HC Deb 30 June 1937 vol 325 cc1962-4
52. Mr. Smedley Crooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the considerable quantity of steel which is now being shipped to Germany from this country, including among other goods the rails from Dover's abandoned tramway system; and whether, in view of the shortage of steel and the needs of home manufacturers, he will take the necessary steps to prevent the export of this raw material?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Euan Wallace)

I understand that two small shipments of the Dover tramway material have been made, but that it is hoped that the balance will be retained in this country. My hon. Friend will be aware of the arrangements recently made between the British Iron and Steel Federation and the National Federation of Iron and Steel Scrap Merchants for the purpose of conserving in this country any supplies of scrap suitable for home use. I might add that during the first five months of this year imports of scrap iron and steel have exceeded exports by nearly 70,000 tons.

Mr. Smedley Crooke

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the seriousness of the position at the present time with regard to the scarcity of steel?

Captain Wallace

Yes, I have already stated to the House that we are aware of the position.

Miss Wilkinson

Cannot the Government put an embargo on the export of steel from this country?

Mr. de Rothschild

Would it not be wise for the Government to reduce the tariff on imported steel?

Mr. Higgs

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that works in Birmingham are at present on part time owing to the shortage of steel?

Captain Wallace

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.

53. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present shortage of steel is causing concern to many manufacturers; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to take action in the matter?

Captain Wallace

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As my right hon. Friend said yesterday in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the Wrekin Division (Colonel Baldwin-Webb), the Import Duties Advisory Committee are actively considering what steps can usefully be taken to increase imports of iron and steel.

Mr. Henderson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, in the meantime, manufacturers in this country are unable to obtain supplies of steel from within our own country, and in consequence have to import from the United States and pay a duty of 33⅓per cent.?

Sir P. Harris

Will the Government take action of its own accord in this urgent matter, instead of taking shelter behind the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

Captain Wallace

It is not a question of taking shelter behind the Import Duties Advisory Committee. That Committee was set up for a specific duty, and I think if the hon. Baronet will exercise a little patience he will find that the Committee is discharging that duty.

Mr. Henderson

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman reply to my question?

Captain Wallace

I cannot remember what it was.

Mr. Henderson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that manufacturers in this country have to import American steel and pay 33⅓ per cent. duty on it?

Captain Wallace

It is because we are aware of that and because the Import Duties Advisory Committee is aware of it, that, as my right hon. Friend stated yesterday, active consideration is being given to what can be done in the matter.

Captain Strickland

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman deem it active consideration of the question when it has been before the committee since last Whitsuntide?

Captain Wallace

My hon. and gallant Friend had better wait a short time—I do not think it will be very long—in order to see what the result of this consideration will be.

Mr. Benn

Does this mean that the Government are not even to be allowed to reduce a duty until they have the permission of the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

Miss Wilkinson

Would it not be better for the Government to do something to increase the production of steel in this country?