§ Mr. Walkerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that during the last few weeks two vessels, one German and the other Dutch, were loaded at the Camber, Portsmouth, with scrap iron and steel; and whether, in view of the shortage of scrap iron and steel, any steps are being taken to discourage exports?
Mr. StanleyI have no information with regard to the export of scrap referred to in the first part of the question but I am making inquiries. As regards the last part, there is an arrangement between the British Iron and Steel Federation and the National Federation of Iron and Steel Scrap Merchants, the object of which is to conserve in this country any supplies of scrap suitable for home use. I would add that in several cases of recent exports of scrap iron and steel, about which inquiries have been made, it has proved that the contracts were entered into before this arrangement was made.
§ Colonel Baldwin-Webbasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by users of raw steel owing to the shortage of supplies; and if he can state what steps are being taken to deal with the situation;
(2) whether he can make a statement as to the present position in respect of the supplies of iron and steel for use in the United Kingdom?
Mr. StanleyI am aware that some steel users are in difficulty because of shortage of supplies of steel. I am glad to say that the United Kingdom output is increasing and that supplies from the Cartel countries are also improving.