HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 c1075
61. Mr. Erroll

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what basis exports of iron and steel are allocated between individual importing countries.

Mr. Harold Wilson (Secretary for Overseas Trade)

The export quota for iron and steel is not allocated by countries. Manufacturers are free to export their quota to markets best suited to their long-term interests, subject to the fulfilment of essential requirements which are notified to them by the Board of Trade.

Mr. Erroll

Will the President of the Board of Trade urge manufacturers to send more steel to Canada, which country urgently requires the steel and would pay us in dollars?

Mr. Wilson

Representations are being made to the iron and steel industries to increase exports to a considerable number of countries. That is being done within the limit of the total supplies of steel available.