§ 36. Sir Percy Harrisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any estimate of the percentage increase in the price of steel during the last month; and whether he is doing anything to secure that users should obtain supplies at a reasonable price?
§ Mr. RuncimanSo far as I am aware there has been no increase in the price of the main steel products during last month. I am assured by the British Iron and Steel Federation that they are endeavouring to control prices at a reasonable level. In this they are acting in consultation with the Import Duties Advisory Committee who are keeping a close watch on the position.
§ Sir P. HarrisAs the steel producers now have more or less a monopoly as a result of Government legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman make it his business to see that the users of steel are not exploited by the producers?
§ Mr. RuncimanI have already pointed out that this matter is being very carefully watched by the Import Duties Advisory Board, and until we have information on the subject we cannot do anything.
§ Mr. PalingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has told us at least four times that he is keeping close watch on situations? When is something likely to accrue from that watching?