§ 66. Mr. Caryasked the Minister of Supply whether he can give any information about the quantity of steel used up in connection with the construction of the University of London extension building at Bloomsbury; and, as steel requirements for the purposes of national defence have to be covered in part through import from the United States of America and constitute a strain upon our shipping and foreign exchange facilities, will he take steps to stop the construction of the above-named building?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The quantity of steel used in the London University extension was approximately 1,300 tons. The contract was entered into before the war, and such contracts were exempt from the requirement of licence until 1st January last. At that stage the bulk of the steel had been made and despatched to London and the small balance was ready for delivery from the works. In the circumstances, a licence was granted in January for the outstanding balance. My right hon. Friend has made an Order which came into operation yesterday prohibiting the use of steel already in the hands of contractors for building purposes except under licence, and the position of the University extension will be reviewed under this Order.