§ 29. Mr. John Grimstonasked the Minister of Supply why on 19th April, he increased the price of copper in this country by £9 per ton when the price he has to pay has only increased by £8 per ton.
§ Mr. J. FreemanAdjustments made with the Rhodesian producers after revaluation enabled my right hon. Friend to reduce the difference between the American and the United Kingdom price of copper which previously had been approximately £10 per ton. But the charge of £5 per ton for these on-costs which has been included in the price since November, 1949, is estimated to be inadequate to cover them in the year 1950-51, and it has, accordingly, been increased to £6 per ton.
§ Mr. GrimstonIs the Minister aware that this is a further increase in costs for our export industry, wholly due to the policy of bulk buying of copper? Will he now re-examine the whole question with a view to returning it to private hands?
§ Mr. FreemanIf the hon. Member can show how that can be done without a loss of sterling copper to the United Kingdom manufacturing industries, then, of course, we will examine it.
§ Mr. GrimstonIn view of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.