HC Deb 19 March 1979 vol 964 c463W
Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) in view of the fact that the imports of electro-zinc grade were 2,220 tonnes per month for the year 1977–78, that the actual June figure for 1978 was 3,872 tonnes, and that the imported product was £27 a tonne cheaper than British Steel Corporation, United Kingdom home trade prices, what steps he is taking to rectify the situation;

(2) in view of the fact that the imports of hot dipped galvanised plain were 16,500 tonnes per month for the year 1977–78, that the actual June figure for 1978 was 23,000 tonnes, and that the imported product was £30 a tonne cheaper than British Steel Corporation, United Kingdom home trade prices, what steps he is taking to rectify the situation.

Mr. Meacher

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give information as to the extent of the agreement with other EEC members regarding policy on pricing imports and exports of steel and other metals; and which steels and metals are excluded from such agreements.

Mr. Meacher

I shall arrange for a summary of the relevant provisions to be placed in the Library in the near future.