§ 88. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the limitation of raw material metal supplies, including brass, aluminium, mazah, zinc and steel to manufacturers and of the serious effects which this is calculated to have upon our export trade; and what steps he is taking to make more supplies available.
89. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to increase imports of zinc, copper, brass and aluminium, in view of United States buying and the engineering industry's commitments for export and rearmament.
Mr. StraussI am well aware of the importance of maintaining sufficient supplies of metals to manufacturers. There has recently been a considerable increase in world demand for non-ferrous metals and we are mainly dependent on imports. My Department is making every effort to secure adequate supplies. Total supplies of steel are greater than ever before. There has, however, been abnormal buying following the outbreak of war in Korea and the announcement of the Government's rearmament programme. This has caused delay in obtaining supplies.