§ Sir J. Mellorasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement with regard to the shortage of steel billets for re-rolling?
§ Captain WallaceAlthough home production of billets is steadily increasing, it is not yet sufficient to meet all demands. All re-rolling firms are members of the National Association of Rolled and Re-rolled Steel Products, which is affiliated to the British Iron and Steel Federation. Arrangements have been made between the Association and the steel makers for the allocation of the available home sup-1250W plies and the Federation has also arranged for additional quantities to be imported from the Continental Steel Cartel as well as from America. The present difficulties of certain re-rolling firms are due to delays in the delivery of steel billets purchased from abroad by the British Iron and Steel Federation for distribution to re-rollers; but I am informed that a considerable improvement in the position may be expected within a very short time.