19 and 20. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Minister of Supply (I) what is the monthly target for deliveries of steel scrap from Germany; and whether this figure has been attained during the last three months;
(2) what is the price of German scrap delivered to British steel works; and whether this price is above or below that for steel scrap imported from other sources.
§ 2 Mr. Willisasked the Minister of Supply whether contracts have yet been signed for the delivery of commercial scrap from Germany during 1948.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)The uncertainties of the situation make it impossible to think in terms of a target for scrap deliveries from Germany. We are trying to get all that we can. Two contracts for the delivery of commercial scrap have been signed in 1948—one in January for the delivery of 50,000 tons and the other within the last few days for 100,000 tons. All scrap supplies delivered to United Kingdom steel works, from whatever origin, are subject to the maximum prices laid down in the Control of Iron and Steel (No. 60) Scrap Order of 1947; they average about £3 5s. a ton.
Mr. Scott-ElliotCan my right hon. Friend say whether the deliveries so far have been up to expectations?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir, I am afraid they have not.
§ Mr. WillisCould my right hon. Friend say whether the figures he gave in respect of the contracts signed justify the statement in the report of the Estimates Committee on scrap steel to the effect that about 100,000 tons will be delivered during the present quarter, and, if not, what effect will this decrease have on the output of steel?
§ Mr. StraussWould my right hon. Friend be good enough to wait, as I am answering a Question on similar matters later on?
§ Mr. ChetwyndCould my right hon. Friend say whether the question of price is the major hold-up in delivery at the moment?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir, I do not think so, although that may be one of the factors involved.