Mr. FrankField asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his discussions with the British Scrap Federation in respect to the export of scrap metals to Spain.
§ Mr. ButcherMy hon. Friend the Minister for Industry recently met the British Scrap Federation, when discussion concentrated on the availability and price of scrap.
During the meeting reference was made to the escalating price of scrap sold to Spanish producers. The federation pointed out that the Spanish price reflected the dollar price (the United States being the dominant influence on prices) and was not above the world market price.
During the 26 March Steel Council Ministers while noting the recent fall in the price of scrap in the EC agreed that the European Commission should investigate the effect of Spanish purchases on the Community market.