HC Deb 17 June 1954 vol 528 cc2260-1
23. Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the rebate on steel to German shipbuilders offers an artificial incentive to exporters of a type which the United Kingdom and the West German Government have agreed to eliminate; and whether he will discuss this problem during the course of the future negotiations;

24. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the rebate to be granted on steel prices for German shipbuilders, conflicts with the financial and economic agreement recently reached with Western Germany; and what representations he will make on this issue.

Mr. Maudling

My right hon. Friend has seen Press reports only and we are making urgent inquiries.

Mr. Grimond

Can we take it from the Economic Secretary that, if the present reports are accurate, and they are extremely circumstantial, this would be a breach of what was understood to be an undertaking by the Germans, and that strong representations will be made to them to eliminate this subsidy?

Mr. Maudling

The agreement was a Government to Government agreement and covered Government practices. It is a wise thing to make urgent inquiries, but possibly not so wise to reach hasty conclusions.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Would the hon. Gentleman agree to let the House know as soon as possible the result of the inquiries, because of the very great interest and importance of the matter to the shipbuilding industry in general?

Mr. Maudling

I shall be very glad to do so.