§ 29. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of steel imported from the United States of America in 1956 for the manufacture of motor cars.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn 1956, total imports from the United States of uncoated steel sheet, the bulk of which was used by the motor car manufacturers, were valued at £7,236,598.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently a British motor firm, a major importer of dollar steel, concluded a barter agreement with Norway in order to exchange about £300,000 worth of motor cars for Norwegian sprats? Is that the way to deal with the dollar problem?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe hon. Gentleman may have seen a number of Questions and Answers on that subject. I think it was finished motor cars which were exchanged for Norwegian silds.
§ Mr. JayCan the right hon. Gentleman give the figures of steel imports from Canada in the same period?
§ Sir D. EcclesNot without notice.
§ Mr. C. R. HobsonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be better to import considerably thicker steel plate from dollar countries for shipping than this steel for the motor car industry, which involves the cost of processing and, thus, a greater dollar expenditure?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is a question which I think should be addressed to the Paymaster-General, who is responsible for steel supplies.