61. Sir Reginald Garryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that a 303 number of commercial vehicles are at present unusable owing to short supplies of rubber tyres; that this shortage is largely due to the inability of tyre manufacturers to obtain adequate unskilled labour essential to the production of these heavy tyres; and what steps he is taking to remedy this situation?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanI have no information that otherwise serviceable commercial vehicles are at present unusable owing to shortage of rubber tyres. All cases of urgent requirements for tyres which have been notified to the Ministry of Supply have been met. The labour situation in this industry is under constant review by the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Labour and National Service; and, with the assistance of the industry, special measures are being taken to meet the requirements.