HC Deb 01 August 1952 vol 504 cc213-4W
Mr. G. R. Strauss

asked the Minister of Supply (1) to what extent the firms covered by the Appendix to Command Paper No. 8619 differ in function or number from those at present within the orbit of the Iron and Steel Federation;

(2) how many firms are involved in Categories 1 to 7 of the Appendix of Command Paper No. 8619;

Mr. Sandys

The member Conferences of the British Iron and Steel Federation do not as such represent producers of iron ore, foundry pig iron, refined iron, wrought iron, iron castings or steel castings, all of which are covered by the processes listed in the Appendix to the Command Paper. These Conferences do, on the other hand, represent producers of bolts, nuts, screws and rivets, wire and certain wire products, and fabricated steel for colliery use, which are not covered by the Appendix. The number of firms covered by the seven categories of the Appendix is about 2,400. Many firms are involved in processes covered by two or more categories. This compares with just over 500 firms covered by the Federation member Conferences. About 180 firms covered by the Federation's member Conferences are outside the field defined in the Appendix.