§ 103. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties being experienced by engineering firms in obtaining supplies of steel tube, sheet steel, flats and other kinds of steel; and what steps he is taking to remedy the situation, which threatens the employment of large numbers of engineering workers.
§ Mr. LowDuring the past year there has been a substantial increase in the volume of orders on the steel industry. The import duties on a wide range of iron and steel products in short supply have been suspended and the general productive capacity of the industry is constantly expanding. The duties on tubes and certain other types of steel more readily available have not been suspended. Supplies of steel to home users including imports are now some 10 per cent. above those available a year ago. 117W If the hon. Member has particular difficulties in mind, the Iron and Steel Board would willingly examine them.