§ 8. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the frustrations in our export trade, particularly in the crane-making trade, caused by the shortage of steel; and if he will take steps with a view to resolving those difficulties to enable foreign orders for export to be completed in full.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware of the difficulties which manufacturing industries, including the crane-making trade, are experiencing in getting their full requirements of steel. The Board of Trade have invited the crane makers to discuss these difficulties with them.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise, as is evidenced by the letter from Messrs. Henderson of Aberdeen which I sent to him, that his present disastrous policy is depriving the country of foreign currency and creating unemployment, and will he take urgent steps to rectify this situation?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe crane makers, like other manufacturers, are experiencing certain shortages of steel associated with the very high levels of demand and investment at the present time.