HC Deb 12 November 1951 vol 493 cc641-2
42. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to increase supplies of scrap iron from home and overseas sources.

Mr. Sandys

The supply of scrap for the steel industry is primarily a matter for the industry itself. The British Iron and Steel Federation, in conjunction with the National Federation of Scrap Iron, Steel and Metal Merchants, are continuing their drive to collect scrap in this country. The Federation are importing as much scrap as possible and have recently strengthened their foreign buying arrangements.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is there any likelihood of our getting the full amount allocated to us from Western Germany this year?

Mr. Sandys

As the House knows, supplies from Germany have decreased considerably lately because the war scrap is now coming to an end.

Mr. J. Hynd

As we were repeatedly told by hon. Members opposite a few weeks ago that the shortage of scrap from Germany was the responsibility of the Government, will the Minister tell us why that situation has changed?

Mr. Sandys

I am keeping in touch with the situation and shall do what I can to help the industry, but the responsibility in the first place is that of the industry itself.