Federal Trade Commission
Documents Received
Apr. 8, 1996
P894219
B18354900143


Van W. Taylor
General Sales Manager

                                             April 3, 1996


Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Room 159
Sixth & Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20580

Attention: Elaine Kolish or Beth Grossman

Dear Madam:

In reference to the "Made in USA Policy Comment FTC File Number
P894219," Laclede Steel Company opposes changing the current
standard as applied to hand tools. Laclede supports the "Made in
USA" label as assuring the highest standard of quality.
Purchasers of hand tools understand the "Made in USA" label as a
guarantee that the tool is "all or virtually all" of domestic
origin. This would include steel produced in the USA, forged in
the USA, and machined, plated and assembled in the USA.

Laclede Steel Company, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri,
employees approximately 2,000 people. Our steel mill located in
Alton Illinois is a major producer of hot rolled bars used in the
forging of all types of hand tools.  We are dedicated to
producing the best quality steel and have invested several
million dollars in our steel making and rolling mills to
accomplish this goal.

If you have any questions concerning Laclede Steel's position on
this subject or any other matters, please feel free to contact
me.

                                   Sincerely,

                                   LACLEDE STEEL COMPANY


                                   Van W. Tay
/Ct