§ 42. Lieut.-Commander Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Supply the price per ton of zinc immediately prior to the outbreak of war in 1939; and the latest price fixed by his Department.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThe average market price of standard grade zinc in August, 1939, was £14 12s. 7d. a ton. The Ministry of Supply's selling price for this grade is based on world prices and is now £106 a ton.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteIn view of the fact that the vast majority of this important commodity comes from Australia, outside the non-sterling area, is not this staggering increase in price evidence of grave mismanagement on the part of the Ministry?
§ Mr. StraussThe hon. and gallant Member is wrong in his facts. The concentrates come from Australia but the actual metal comes from other countries, chiefly America and Canada.
§ Mr. Martin LindsayIs the Minister aware that recent price increases have had the effect of putting British non-ferrous metal price just above world levels, and that in consequence considerable short time is being worked in the non-ferrous metal trade in Birmingham at the present time?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir. Our prices are based exactly on world levels.