92. Mr. Aclandasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he will take steps to secure that where Government contracts for armaments have been signed these contracts shall be altered so that the Government receives the benefit of the reduced import duties on steel in those cases where steel imported after 3rd March is used in carrying out the contract?
The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas lnskip)There is no reason to suppose that the reduction on duties on steel imported after 3rd March will cause any reduction in the cost of steel to contractors, and the question raised by the hon. Member therefore does not arise.
Mr. AclandWill not the reduction in the duties amount in some way to a present to somebody between the importer and the contractor?
§ Sir T. InskipNo, Sir. I understand that that is not the case.
§ Miss WilkinsonWho will get the benefit of the reduced tariff?
Sir T. lnskipIn the case of a world shortage in circumstances as they are today, there is no reduction in consequence of the removal of the duty.
§ Miss WilkinsonWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly explain to my somewhat simple mind who gets this diference, because obviously there is a reduction for somebody?