HC Deb 16 February 1959 vol 600 cc1-3
1. Mr. Snow

asked the Paymaster-General whether he is aware of the considerable discrepancy for certain steel material between export prices and prices charged United Kingdom customers, and that steel exports from this country are thereby being jeopardised; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Sir Ian Horobin)

I am informed that, generally speaking, discrepancies between internal and external prices are not considerable. If the hon. Member 'has it in mind that export prices are generally higher than internal prices and that exports are thereby being jeopardised, his information is not correct. The export prices obtainable for the products of the continuous strip mills have until recently tended to be rather above internal prices, but these mills are working close to maximum capacity, and exports have been rising.

Mr. Snow

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is extremely difficult to get up-to-date information about the prices ruling, other than through trade sources? Is he aware that, for instance, a few weeks ago a very large order by China for drum steel, which was not in any way infringing the strategic lists or anything of that sort, was lost to this country since the only competitive price available was £53 10s. a ton and the order went to the Continent for prices varying between £45 and £47 a ton? Is he further aware that this is a continuing situation which deserves urgent attention?

Sir I. Horobin

If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of any individual orders of that sort I will, of course, look into them.

2. Mr. Snow

asked the Paymaster-General, in view of the fact that steel producers in the United Kingdom are quoting the same export prices for certain lines, whether he is satisfied that export steel prices from the United Kingdom are subject to normal competitive variation; and if he will make a statement.

Sir I. Horobin

The Iron and Steel Board has the general duty of reviewing the export prices of iron and steel under competitive conditions and I am informed that the Board is broadly satisfied.

Mr. Snow

Does the Parliamentary Secretary mean by that reply that he is satisfied that there is competition in offering prices for steel? Is he aware that recently a circular was issued to six companies to furnish prices for export and that those six companies furnished the same price and the orders were lost?

Sir I Horobin

If there is evidence of any restrictive agreement of that sort it would have to be registered, but that is not a matter for my Department.

Mr. Strauss

If the facts quoted by my hon. Friend are correct, would not the Minister agree that while there may be good reason if there is no competition in price in meeting inland demand, if there is no competition in meeting export demand that is a very serious situation?

Sir I. Horobin

I have already said that if I am given particulars of any order I will look into it. Obviously, in a vast industry of this kind I cannot have the particulars of every transaction at my fingertips. If the hon. Gentleman will write to me I will look into the matter.