§ 162. Mr. P. Robertsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of steel sheets have been exported under bilateral trade agreements in the last 12 months.
§ Mr. BottomleySteel sheets, as such, are not specified in any of our bilateral trade agreements. We have, however, undertakings in general terms to supply finished steel. With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures of our exports of sheet steel during 1950 to the countries concerned:
… … Tons Finland … … 6,229 Sweden … … 5,258 Norway … … 4,888 Denmark … … 9,465 Western Germany … … 271* Netherlands … … 5,603 Yugoslavia … … 1,056 Brazil … … 915 … … 33,685 * Exports of sheet steel to Western Germany relate only to the period January-September, 1950, the period covered by the agreement.
§ 163. Mr. Edward Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade to what countries raw steel is being exported; in what quantities; and what is the reason for this policy since engineering firms in Britain, engaged on export and Government contracts, are experiencing shortages.
§ Mr. BottomleyDuring the year 1950 about 2.1 million tons of finished steel were exported to all parts of the world in varying quantities. With my hon. Friend's permission, I will send to him, as soon as it has been prepared, a table giving full details. Deliveries of finished steel for export are, at the moment, being restricted in order to maintain supplies for essential home uses at the highest possible level.
Exports must be maintained, however, at the highest level consistent with the needs of United Kingdom industry. The Commonwealth depends on us to a very large extent for its requirements. Many foreign countries, including some which supply us with essential imports, 30W look to us for steel. In addition, large tonnages are exported to meet the requirements of the oil companies overseas.