HC Deb 29 November 1966 vol 737 cc63-4W
90. Mr. Cant

asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that the differential price policy of British steel producers in home and export markets is enabling foreign constructional steel fabricators to undercut British firms in export markets; and whether he will direct the Iron and Steel Board under Section 10 of the Iron and Steel Act, 1953 to determine prices in such a way as to discontinue this practice.

Mr. Marsh

I am aware of the difficulties being encountered by certain steel fabricators in competing for exports. Steel prices obtaining in export markets are commonly lower than those in the home markets of steel producers, because there is a world surplus of capacity. This is unlikely to be altered by any action I could take under the 1953 Act in relation to prices, but I am discussing the whole problem with the steel industry.