§ 19. Mr. Banfieldasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware of the shortage of steel strip and the consequent high prices of the available supply and also of the adverse effect on employment; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter;
(2) whether he is aware that the firm of H. J. Barlow and Company, Limited, of Wednesbury, have been forced to close down their tube department and to discharge 50 workers, owing to the impossibility of securing supplies of steel strip; and what steps he proposes to take to enable manufacturers to secure their raw materials in sufficient quantities, and at a reasonable price, to enable them to carry on their business?
§ Mr. RuncimanThe British Iron and Steel Federation are making every effort to increase supplies of steel, both home and imported, and the prices of the main steel products are determined in consultation with the Import Duties Advisory Committee. With regard to the particular case referred to, I understand that this company has received its share of the material which is available, based on its purchases in recent years, but it is hoped to arrange for further supplies next week.
§ Mr. BanfieldIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the statements made in the industry that certain firms have more 945 material than they know what to do with, and that it is not distributed evenly and fairly to the smaller firms?
§ Mr. RuncimanIf the hon. Member has any data on that subject and cares to let me have the information, I will certainly look into it.