HC Deb 02 July 1951 vol 489 c1890
38. Lieut.-Commander Baldock

asked the Minister of Supply how many tons of iron and steel scrap have been exported to Canada in the last three months.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

No exports of iron and steel scrap are recorded for the months of March, April and May of this year, the latest dates for which figures are available.

Lieut.-Commander Baldock

Is the Minister aware that his information does not coincide with mine and will he investigate any case I bring to his notice?

Mr. Strauss

I can account for that. The Board of Trade classification of iron and steel scrap includes certain materials which are strictly not iron and steel scrap, such as used steel articles, but we did not export during those months iron and steel scrap proper, as normally understood.

Lieut.-Commander Baldock

Will the Minister endeavour to stop the export of used steel articles to Canada while there is such a shortage in this country?

Mr. Strauss

They are only exported under licence in special circumstances and very little has been exported.