§ 3. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Supply what reply he has received from the United States authorities in connection with his representations concerning the effect on British industry which would 3 be caused by an interruption of steel supplies arising from the American steel strike.
§ Mr. SandysThe United States authorities have assured us that they fully appreciate the serious effects for us of any interruption in the deliveries of steel from America. However, the situation is, of course, largely outside their control.
§ Mr. EdelmanWill the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent this strike, now in its 28th day, is likely to affect deliveries under the Anglo-American steel contract? Will he also confirm that whatever happens our export programme will not be hampered by any interruption in deliveries from the United States?
§ Mr. SandysI cannot possibly give such assurances. All I would say to the hon. Member is that, on the latest figures available, deliveries from America are fully up to schedule. The future, naturally, depends entirely on how long the strike lasts.