§ 52. Mr. Boultonasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is satisfied that the Service Departments have now obtained sufficient supplies of steel products, particularly of the lighter types, for their requirements in connection with rearmament; if not, is he aware that many firms, including those who have been employed on Government work in Sheffield, are now experiencing great slackness and having to discharge men; and what is the reason for this?
The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas lnskip)The position in regard to supplies of steel, including the lighter types, for the rearmament programme is now generally satisfactory. Further supplies, however, will be required from time to time to meet contracts not yet completed or placed. So far as work for rearmament is concerned, I am not aware of any slackness. My hon. Friend no doubt appreciates that the output of Sheffield is by no means restricted to rearmament orders.