29. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Power whether he will state the imports of sheet steel for April and May 1960, and the comparable imports for 1959.
§ Mr. GeorgeImports of sheet steel this year amounted to 51,000 tons in April and 64,000 tons in May. Last year the figures were 23,000 tons and 19,000 tons, respectively.
Mr. LeeHas the hon Member any thought to offer to the House as to the reason for this large increase, month by month throughout the whole of this year, in the importation of sheet steel? Within what period does he envisage that we shall be able to see the position restored?
§ Mr. GeorgeThe hon. Member received that information following a Question a few weeks ago. Imports will be essential for at least two and maybe three years, but they are not likely to reach significant tonnages. We must contrast exports with imports. It is estimated that this year about 450,000 tons will be imported and about 350,000 tons exported. The imports are, therefore, not a significant proportion of the usage in this country.