11. Mr. Alexanderasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give a list of trade associations in the iron and steel industry which fix the prices of the products in which they are interested?
Mr. StanleyI will, with the right hon. Gentleman's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the associations affiliated to the British Iron and Steel Federation which fix the prices of the products they control.
Mr. AlexanderCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an indication of how an appeal may be made in any case 695 where the price may be regarded as arbitrary, or where the steel is not available?
Mr. StanleyPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question down; but if he has any case in mind I shall be glad to inquire into it, and, if necessary, take it up with the Federation.
§ Following is the list:
§ Associations Affiliated to the British Iron and Steel Federation which fix prices.
- Alloy Steel Association.
- Basic Pig Iron Producers' Association.
- Black Bolt and Nut Association of Great Britain.
- Bright Bolt and Nut Manufacturers' Association.
- Bright Steel Bar Manufacturers' Association.
- British Constructional Steelwork Association.
- British Rivet Association.
- British Wire Rod Rollers' Association.
- British Wrought Iron Association. File Trade Association.
§ Heavy Steel Associations:—
§ Scottish Steel Makers' Association.
§ Midland and Welsh Steelmakers' Association.
§ North-East Coast Steelmakers' Association.
§ British Joist Makers' Association.
§ High Speed Steel Association.
§ National Association of Hematite Pig Iron Makers.
§ National Association for Rolled and Re-Rolled Steel Products.
§ National Billet Associations:—
§ Basic Special Steel Billet Association.
§ Basic Soft Steel Billet Association.
§ Siemens Martin Acid Steel Billet Association.
§ Free Cutting Billet Association.
§ National Forgemasters' Association.
§ No. 3 and 4 Bar Association.
§ Rail Makers' Association.
§ Railway Coil Spring Association.
§ Railway Tyre and Axle Manufacturers' Association.
§ Steel Castings Manufacturers' Association.
§ Sheet Makers' Conference.
§ Sheffield Stainless Steel Manufacturers' Association.
§ South Wales Siemens Steel Association.
§ Sectional Associations of The British Steel Wire Industries Association.
696§ 25. Mr. R. Aclandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any, and, if so, what, steps are being taken to ensure that the prices for steel products with which the Import Duties Advisory Committee has concurred are in fact the highest prices that are being charged to consumers?
Mr. StanleyThe basis prices of the principal controlled products are published. Both the Import Duties Advisory Committee and the British Iron and Steel Federation keep a close watch on the position and investigate complaints of overcharging.
Mr. AlexanderIs the Minister aware that there are differential prices charged to users whether they are members or not of various associations?
§ Sir Percy HarrisDoes the Minister think it desirable that monopolies should be able to take advantage of their position?
Mr. StanleyThe whole rebate position has been fully discussed here, and it is clear that the advantages are open to anyone who chooses to join an association. No obstacles are put in the way of anybody doing so.
§ 26 and 27. Mr. Aclandasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether any impartial authority, acting solely in the public interest, has been set up to supervise the policy of the British Iron and Steel Federation in relation to the allocation of output quotas; and if not, when will such an authority be set up;
(2) whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to set up some body outside the steel industry responsible only for seeing that the prices fixed for the products of the industry are such as adequately safeguard the public interest; and, if so, when will this body be set up?
Mr. StanleyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 27th July to the hon. Member for King's Norton (Mr. Cartland).
§ Mr. AclandHas not a report come out recommending some quite separate body?
§ 33. Sir Francis Aclandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Iron and Steel Federation has set up a standing committee called the Rebate Committee, as recommended by the council of the Federation in December, 1935?
§ Mr. R. AclandWill there be, on that Committee, any wholly independent persons whose sole function it will be to safeguard the public interests?