§ 15. Mr. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage greater exports of steel and steel manufactures to Canada, where a ready market exists for these products.
Mr. H. WilsonMy Department loses no opportunity of urging upon the United Kingdom steel industry the importance of Canada as a market for their products. Exports of iron and steel and manufactures to Canada in 1949 were over twice as great as in the previous year, and I have every hope that as the result of the industry's efforts exports in 1950 will be even greater.
§ Mr. RussellCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that several foreign countries are getting a far greater proportion of our iron and steel exports than Canada, taking into consideration the difference in populations?
Mr. WilsonIf the hon. Gentleman is referring to exports to other countries in Europe, Canada has been a first charge on our steel exports. We would like to have sent far more steel to Canada, but it has not been available because the British steel industry was not doing enough to meet all our requirements.