HC Deb 08 February 1951 vol 483 cc231-2W
86. Mr. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade what policy is to be pursued by His Majesty's Government in regard to exports of tinplate from the United Kingdom, in view of demands from the home market for food canning and other essential requirements.

Mr. H. Wilson

Production is at present inadequate to meet demands in full but it is hoped that the situation will improve considerably when the new continuous strip mill at Trostre comes into production in, it is expected, the latter part of this year. Exports are, under the conditions prevailing, being restricted to the lowest level consistent with our trade commitments and shipments for essential food imports. It will be the policy of His Majesty's Government to continue so to restrict them while the present shortage lasts.

100. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the total output of tinplate in the United Kingdom is being exported in the form of flat sheets; and whether, in order to increase the value of our exports, he will arrange for more of this flat tinplate to be made up in the form of containers prior to export.

Mr. H. Wilson

The latest figures available are in respect of the fourth quarter of 1950 when total exports of tinplate (very largely in sheet form) represented about 30 per cent. of production. In view of the difficult supply position, direct export of tinplate is now being restricted to the lowest level consistent with our trade commitments and shipments for essential food imports. The tinplate is necessarily exported in the form in which it is required by the overseas importers.