§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the probable total cost of copper imports for 1966, taking into account the price increases anticipated before the end of the year; and if he will initiate a national copper scrap drive.
§ Mr. JayImports of copper in the first half of 1966 were valued at £108 million Because of the uncertainly about supplies and prices in the second half of this year it is not possible to estimate reliably the cost of imports for the whole year. After discussion with the trade, I am satisfied that the recovery of some 300,000 tons of copper per annum from industrial and domestic scrap, which is being achieved at present prices, is the maximum practicable.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will seek to ban completely all copper scrap exports.
§ Mr. JayOur present licensing policy is to prohibit the export of any scrape which can be economically treated in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will seek to impose temporary restriction on the use of copper, or copper alloy, for decorative or ornamental purposes.