§ 10. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent our supplies of steel are now adequate for our projected exports.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe Iron and Steel Board estimates that supplies of steel from home production to the steel using industries in this country should increase by about 10 per cent, this year compared with 1955. Exporting industries should benefit substantially from this increase.
§ Mr. EdelmanIn making that estimate, does the President of the Board of Trade take into account the Soviet shopping list? Does he consider that if that shopping list were to be substantial, the steel available would be adequate to cover its requirements?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThat estimate is an estimate of an increase in home production. Demands upon the steel industry include not only consumption at home, but exports to all markets, including any increased opportunities which we have managed to secure in Soviet Russia.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is continuing a shortage of special angles and sections of steel in the shipbuilding industry, which is creating unnecessary hold-ups and restricting production? Will he undertake to see whether something further can be done to improve supplies of steel for the ship building industry?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI am aware that in a number of industries, particularly in ship building, there are shortages of steel. There can be no question about that, and I am in constant touch with the Iron and Steel Board on this matter.