§ 20. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties created for manufacturers of goods for export by the high prices enforced by the Iron and Steel Trades Federation for iron and steel; and what steps he proposes to take to bring pressure to bear on the Iron and Steel Trades Federation to reduce substantially prices of essential raw materials in order that the machinery, motor-car, and shipbuilding industries may be placed in a better competitive position?
§ Mr. StanleyI have received certain complaints regarding the prices of iron and steel. The prices of the principal iron and steel products are fixed by the British Iron and Steel Federation and, with the concurrence of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, they have been stabilised until the end of this year. I understand that the prices to be charged thereafter are now being considered by the federation in consultation with the advisory committee, and I am assured that in this consideration due weight will be given to the interests of the consuming 664 industries, including, of course, the export trades.