§ 68. Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention 1797 has been called to the fact that the British Steel Federation is importing steel into this country at the rate of 2,000,000 tons a year; and whether he will take steps to remove the duty on all imported steel so that prices may assume their proper level?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonIn addition to the normal imports of just over half a million tons of steel per annum under their agreement with the Continental Steel Cartel, the British Iron and Steel Federation have recently made arrangements to supplement our own crude steel production by the import over a few months of 300,000 tons of semi-manufactured steel for further manufacture in this country. The increased demand for steel has not been accompanied by any increase in steel prices. Any question of amending the tariff is a matter in the first place for the Import Duties Advisory Committee, but I may add that these additional imports are being licensed for admission free of additional duty.
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the general opinion in the trade that the price of steel is already 20 per cent. too high? Seeing that tariffs were introduced for the purpose of allowing the industry to rehabilitate itself, and that it is now producing to capacity, is there any reason whatever why the protection should be continued?
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennWould the steel users be entitled to appear before the committee and state their case?