asked the Minister of Supply what contracts have recently been agreed upon for the delivery of steel from Belgium to this country; and how far these additional supplies are estimated to meet the shortage for the current year.

Negotiations between the United Kingdom and Belgium for import of steel this year are not yet concluded. So far the Belgian Government has offered 92,000 tons, but specifications and prices have yet to be agreed. Any imports from Belgium will help towards overcoming the shortage of steel, and will be of particular help in certain directions, for example, wire and strip.

Will the Minister make certain that these shipments are set against the trade balance of £14 million in Belgium, and that goods in this country will not be shipped against them?

That is a matter for the Board of Trade.

Does that apply to public or private accounts?

Both.