HC Deb 21 February 1949 vol 461 c1590
77. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to switch supplies of steel, involved in making goods for Russia, to products which can be sold in the Canadian market in return for produce which can be obtained there at a lower price.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)

None, Sir. Such goods are exported to Russia in payment for necessary supplies imported from that country. I can assure the House that steel is allocated to firms with every regard to the exceptional importance of the Canadian market.

Mr. Shepherd

In view of the wide disparity between what we buy from Canada and what we sell to Canada, is it not an urgent necessity to try and divert some of the steel involved to the Canadian market?

Mr. Strauss

I doubt whether any manufactured products destined for the Canadian market are held up through a lack of steel.