HC Deb 01 November 1937 vol 328 cc526-7
61. Mr. R. Acland

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of the discount or rebate which is allowed, in those sections of the industry for which appropriate arrangements have been made, by the members of the British Iron and Steel Federation to the members of the National Association of Iron and Steel Stockholders and not allowed to non-members?

Captain Wallace

I am informed that the price to a member of the National Association of Iron and Steel Stockholders is generally a ton less than the price to other stockholding merchants.

62. Mr. Acland

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the firms associated with, or affiliated to, the British Iron and Steel Federation by number and/or by reference to their share in the total output of the industry, have adopted the uniform cost system for the iron and steel industry worked out by the standing costs committee of the Industrial Research Council at the instance of the federation?

Captain Wallace

I understand that the uniform costing system is being used by a considerable number of firms, with appropriate modifications to suit their individual circumstances and that its use is growing; but I have no information as to the number of firms which have adopted it.

Mr. Acland

Cannot this information be obtained; and, in view of the fact that until the uniform cost system has become universal it will not be possible for the Import Duties Advisory Committee adequately to regulate prices of these products, will the Government try to make this system universal as soon as possible?

Captain Wallace

The Federation have advised firms to adopt this system wherever possible; and it is probable that a number of firms are changing over to it. I can only obtain this information by courtesy, but I certainly will bear the request of the hon. Gentleman in mind.

Mr. Acland

In view of the fact that the Government have been conferring benefits upon this industry, is it good enough to say that a number of firms are probably changing over; cannot the Minister do something better?

Captain Wallace

I said that I would look into it.

63. Mr. Acland

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Iron and Steel Federation has yet issued a statement on the lines suggested in paragraph 86 of the Import Duties Advisory Committee's report on Iron and Steel; and, if not, when will such a statement be issued?

Captain Wallace

A table of prices of the principal iron and steel products is now included in the monthly Statistical Bulletin published by the British Iron and Steel Federation.