§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the pressure of rearmament orders, certain steelworks in West Wales have had to close down through failure to secure supplies of steel scrap, and tinplate mills have also had to close down through failure to secure supplies of tin bars from the steelworks; and, in view of this serious situation with its consequent unemployment, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. RuncimanI understand that the supply of steel scrap in this and other countries has not kept pace with the rapid increase in the demand for, and1374W production of, steel, and that some works nave been unable to obtain adequate supplies of materials. The British Iron and Steel Federation are, I am informed, making every effort to improve supplies.
§ Mr. Leckieasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious rise in the price of scrap in recent months and that as much as 82s. 6d. per ton is now being asked for it; and if he will take steps to place an embargo upon the export of iron and steel scrap in view of the present shortage?
§ Mr. RuncimanI am aware that there has been a rise in the price of iron and steel scrap in recent months. I am informed that the current price varies, according to grade, between 42s. 6d. and 85s. per ton. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 8th February to the hon. Member for Plais-tow (Mr. Thorne).