§ 38. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what percentage of washing powder expressed in terms of 1936 domestic consumption has been provided for in the revised Level of Industry plan.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend quite sure about this? Is he aware that the area board stated openly that washing powder, as distinct from soda, has a domestic availability reduced to 11 per cent. of what it was in 1936?
§ Mr. BevinI am assured that the available capacity left is 132 per cent. That is the capacity left in connection with the Question asked about the Level of Industry plan.
§ 39. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what tonnage allowance was provided for the export from Germany of steel plates and sections in the revised Level of Industry plan; and whether he will state the average tonnage yearly exported from Germany for the five years ending 31st December, 1939, or near date.
§ Mr. BevinNo provision was made in the revised Level of Industry plan for 1153 the export from Germany of steel plates and sections. In the five years ending 1939 the average yearly exports from Germany of heavy plates were 180,000 tons. Average net exports of heavy sections, light sections and bars amounted 10 510,000 tons a year, of which 45,000 tons were heavy girders, beams and joists and 465,000 tons were light sections and bars.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that the official figures given to me averaged over 2½ million tons a year before the war, and can he say how Germany will be able to pay for extra imported food if she is not to be allowed to export steel?
§ Mr. BevinAll these factors were taken into account when the whole question of a level of steel of up to 11 million tons was considered, and I do not propose taking steel out of Germany until she has developed a steel capacity to recondition herself; this, I think, is the right policy.