§ 59. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Supply to what extent the increase in the price of coal recently sanctioned will affect the price of steel, and whether this has been allowed for in the revised prices of steel recently announced?
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Burgin)The recent increases in the maximum prices of iron and steel were necessitated by the higher cost of imported materials, together with increases in steel costs arising from the operation of sliding scales. It is not intended that the recent advance in the price of coal should lead, for the present, to any further increase in the maximum prices of steel.
§ 64. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Supply whether he is prepared to investigate the possibility of making a full use of the Scottish ironfounding industry by substituting where possible the use of cast-iron for steel and thus relieve the pressure on the steel industry; and whether he will consult with the ironfounding industry for this purpose?
§ Mr. BurginYes, Sir. Close attention is being given by the Controller of Iron and Steel ,in consultation with representatives of the ironfoundry industry, to the question of relieving the pressure on the steel industry by the substitution of iron castings for steel wherever practicable and I have myself received a deputation on the matter.
§ Mr. HannahMay Bilsfon be considered in any such scheme?
§ Mr. BurginI can hardly imagine Bilston being left out of account.