STEEL WORKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23009, 9 April 1938, Page 16

STEEL WORKS

SURVEY OF MARKET DETAILS OF IMPORTS INFORMATION DEMANDED ACTION BY DEPARTMENT Manufacturers and ofliers have been requested by the Department of Industries and Commerce to furnish details of iron and steel importations under various headings for the years 1936 and 1937 and have been warned that they will also be required to furnish returns for 1938. The information, which is needed by the Government for a survey it is making of the market preparatory to establishing iron and steel works, will involve considerable trouble and some expense to those on whom the demand has been made, several of whom point out that all the information desired is in the possession of the Customs Department. "With your knowledge of the industry you will realise it will not bo possible to manufacture the whole range in the domestic industry," states the department in a memorandum giving its reasons for making the demands. "The preparation of a detailed survey of the market in this country will help in finality being reached in regard to the exact rolling programme for the steel works, and although the Government wishes to cause as little inconvenience as possible, you will realise that assistance freely given at this stage will enable information to be supplied to you concerning the range of products, and individual shapes and sizes, which will be available from the domestic industry well in advance of production." It is desired that the following particulars should be supplied relating to each item: —(1) If metal, iron or steel; (2) tons imported in respect of each item; and (3) .if metal of a special quality other than required by ordinary trade specifications, total tonnage only need he given. Particulars of special quality metals must be given under the headings, (a) spring steel and (b) other special quality steel. Forms accompanying the memorandum provide for the setting out of information not only in respect of various classes of iron and steel, but for totals in each case of various specified sizes and shapes. Information is also wanted relating to metallurgio and hard coke used, together with prices paid. "The Government certainly is 'on the box seat' when before starting an industry it obtains particulars of their business from firms with which it may subsequently be in competition, commented an importer.