HC Deb 30 July 1951 vol 491 c131W
53. Miss Burton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why an increased output of steel, allocated to help re-armament, in Western Germany is permitted to be used to raise the competitive power of the German motor business in overseas markets to the detriment of British motor car makers and traders.

Mr. Ernest Davies

German steel production is at present limited to 11.1 million ingot tons per year; the Germans can use this steel in any way they choose. By an Allied decision of Stptember, 1950, the Germans can produce steel over and above this amount, provided the additional production is used to meet the needs of Western defence. This additional production (which is at the rate of 1 to 1½million ingot tons per year) is not being diverted from defence purposes to the needs of their motor industry.