STEEL FROM BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26232, 16 August 1946, Page 7

STEEL FROM BRITAIN

SMALL DOMINION QUOTA HOME NEEDS IMPERATIVE • \ (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Aug. 14. Inquiries into the position of the supply of goods from Britain to New Zealand show that there is little likelihood of the Dominion receiving more than a limited quota for some time to come. Britain, it is understood, is unable to let New Zealand have more than 6 per cent, of her steel requirements in the next few months —and the figure may not be as high as that. Thus supplies of tinplate, steel sheets, and wire will be limited. Steel production in Britain is closely related to the output of coal, which is one of the Government’s chief problems. With the approach of winter, it is anticipated that supplies of coal will be far less than overall requirements. One result is that Britain's steel exports are being cut to the minimum. Despite the small quota being made available to New Zealand, it is stated that the Dominion can be regarded as fortunate inasmuch as her advocacy for supplies received a sympathetic hearing. But so imperative is the need and the keen demand for steel inside Britain that even the smallest quantities are being screened meticulously. The position is somewhat more favourable regarding tyres.. Though not yet available in adequate quantities, the rubber position, is improving, and tyre production will shortly be speeded up. It is. therefore, hoped that stocks will be more adequate in about six months’ time.