§ 46. Mr. George Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much steel-making scrap was imported from the United States of America in each of the three months, November and December, 1971, and January, 1972; what was the average import price per ton; how much of the same quality scrap 197W was available in the United Kingdom and offered to the British Steel Corporation; and what were comparable prices of domestic supplies.
§ Mr. RidleyNone in November, 1971; 6,285 tons in December at an average c.i.f. price of £24.64 per ton under arrangements made about a year previously; and for January, 1972, details of imports are not yet available. About 12,000–14,000 tons a week of compressed unused steel sheet cuttings, which is a comparable material of high quality, are currently available in the United Kingdom and all are taken by the steel industry. The prices paid are a commercial matter for the industry and the trade.