HC Deb 04 April 1939 vol 345 cc2597-8
8. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government are still satisfied that stocks of pig-iron are adequate for any emergency; and if not, are they prepared to request that all manufacturers keep every furnace going full-speed until further notice, if necessary, under Government guarantee against any loss resulting there from?

Mr. Stanley

As I informed the hon. Member on 14th March, my Department is in constant touch with the British Iron and Steel Federation on the subject of supplies of pig-iron in an emergency, and the stock position is kept under constant review in relation to the question of supplies. As at present advised, I could not adopt the suggestion put forward by the hon. Member.

Mr. Edwards

Are we to understand from the reply that the Minister is satisfied that stocks are adequate?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, and the hon. Gentleman will notice with pleasure that production is now on the increase.

Mr. Edwards

But are the stocks adequate?

Mr. Stanley

I said "Yes."

9. Mr. Edwards

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much pig-iron manufactured in the British Empire has been sold to Germany during the last year, giving the dates of sale and the value?

Mr. Stanley

During the year 1938, imports into Germany of pig-iron produced in the British Empire amounted to 58,000 metric tons, valued at 2,971,000 Reichsmarks. The imports in question came from India and the United Kingdom; I am unable to state the dates of sale, but the quantity imported in the last quarter of the year was 49,500 tons.

Mr. Edwards

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no further supplies of pig-iron will go to Germany?

Mr. Stanley

I can only speak of the United Kingdom. I understand that these sales were in consequence of a contract made at a time last year when there was a very small demand for pig-iron here. That contract has run out and I understand that there is no intention of renewing it.

Mr. Edwards

Did not these supplies go to Germany at a time when this country was in great danger?