§ 24. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Supply what action he has taken to obtain delivery of American steel still outstanding under contract to Britain.
§ Mr. SandysThe orders are commercial transactions between the British Iron and Steel Corporation, Ltd. and individual steel companies in the United States. The Ministry of Supply is doing everything possible to help the Corporation to expedite deliveries.
§ Mr. EdelmanIn view of the shortage of steel at home and of the fact that 12 the vast projected American expansion of steel can only take place at Britain's expense, will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Prime Minister so that when he goes to Washington he will endeavour to set up a common pool of steel as between America and Britain and so introduce an element of fair shares in the allocation of steel as between our two countries?
§ Mr. SandysHis Majesty's Government are, of course, in regular touch with the American Government in order to see what can be done to secure the largest possible allocation of steel for export under the American allocation system. I will bear the hon. Gentleman's suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. EdelmanCan the right hon. Gentleman say what quantity of American steel we can look forward to receiving during the next three months.
§ Mr. SandysThat is another question.