§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the terms of the agreement arrived at recently between the representatives of the steel industry and the steel-scrap merchants; whether the agreement provides for a fair distribution of scrap among the various producers; whether any privileges are accorded to those engaged in rearmament work; and what is the increase in price of scrap as secured by the merchants compared with the prices prevailing in January, 1936?
§ Dr. BurginI understand that the agreement between the steel industry and the National Federation of iron and steel scrap merchants provides that, with a view to the co-ordination of the purchases of scrap, certain scrap merchants shall act as advisers for the British Iron and Steel Federation. I am informed that the available scrap is distributed by the federation amongst steel producers on the basis of consumption in previous years and that no steel makers have particular privileges in this respect. The scrap is purchased at the market price prevailing at the time and place of sale. I am informed that since the first week in January, 1936, the price has increased by some 12 per cent. to 26 per cent. according to the district.