§ Mr. Stevensasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of tinplate; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the position.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware that supplies are insufficient to meet the full home and export demand despite an increase in home production. About 80,000 tons are likely to be imported this year and the period of suspension of the import duties on tinplate has recently been extended to 18th March, 1956. Production will increase further from 1956 onwards and the developments leading to this are described in the Iron and Steel Board's Report on "Development of the Iron and Steel Industry—1953 to 1958" presented to Parliament on 22nd February, 1955.