HC Deb 04 July 1977 vol 934 cc439-40W
Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if any comparison has been made between the price of steel sheets and plates and hot rolled coil from Eastern Europe and other countries.

Mr. Meacher

No.

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade which countries have the lowest average price per tonne in 1977 for both steel sheets and plates and hot rolled coil.

Mr. Meacher

Price information is not available, but following are the countries with the lowest average values derived from the January to April 1977 import statistics under the heading for universals, plates and sheets of iron or steel other than tinned plate and sheet (SITC(R) 674 less 674.7). In some instances the quantities involved are relatively small. These average values would be influenced by differences in the commodity composition within the statistical heading, in the quality of the steel, transport costs and certain other factors.

Average value per tonne
(£ cif)
Soviet Union 107
Bulgaria 111
Hungary 113
German Democratic Republic 116
Romania 134
Poland 140
Spain 146
Czechoslovakia 149
Denmark 150
Switzerland 162

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if any anti-dumping action is currently under consideration against imports of steel sheets and plates from Eastern Europe; and which countries are involved.

Mr. Meacher

No.