§ Sir P. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the revision made in the selling prices of tinplate, whereby the basis f.o.b. price for certain export markets is now Io½d. per basis box below the f.o.t. price for home trade, whereas previously it was 4¼d. higher to cover extra cost of packing for export and carriage works to port; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that the price ex-works in this country to Continental users should not be less than the price ex-works to home users, when such Continental users are competing with home users in canned products in this market?
Mr. StanleyI am aware that adjustments have recently been made in the price of tinplate both for the home and for the export markets. For certain export markets the price has been reduced to conform to the level established by foreign producers in those markets, in order to maintain British sales. I see no advantage of any British industry in an attempt to enforce higher export prices for Welsh tinplates than those charged by foreign producers.
§ Mr. J. Griffithsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the continued severe depression in the tinplate and steel-sheet industries; that the number of works open in May of this year was 32 less than in the same month last year; that the percentage of unemployment is now 34 per cent. higher than a year ago; and if he can indicate what steps he is taking to deal with this situation?
Mr. StanleyI am aware of the position in the tinplate and steel-sheet industries and, as I informed the hon. Member on 10th May, I am prepared to consider any proposals which the industry wish to put before me.