HC Deb 19 July 1944 vol 402 cc189-91
49. Mr. Thomas Fraser

asked the Minister of Production whether he is satisfied that the production of steel in this country is adequate; and by what means is the production of steel regulated.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am satisfied that the quantity of steel produced in this country, together with that imported from the U.S.A., is adequae to meet essential war needs; and that, within the limits imposed by the availability of steel-making materials, inland transport, and other factors, full use is being made of our available capacity.

Mr. Fraser

Is there any justification for the reduction in the production of steel in this country just now? Great alarm is being expressed in. America at the reduction there, yet we are importing steel from America. Can we have some explanation?

Mr. Lyttelton

A number of questions are involved. There are certain circumstances, which are being dealt with by an ad hoc Committee, and which are caused by changes in programme. The need for relieving the load of inland transport is another factor.

Mr. Shinwell

Why is it that in certain parts of the country men have been dismissed from steel works, on account of redundancy, yet we are importing large quantities of steel ingots from the United States?

Mr. Lyttelton

It is a very complicated question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question on the Paper.

57. Mr. Fraser

asked the Minister of Supply if he will consider the vital industrial needs of those development areas that are steel producers and discriminate in favour of them when allocating any future cut in production.

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

Yes, Sir. All relevant considerations will be borne in mind in accordance with the policy stated in paragraph 24 of the White Paper on Employment policy.

Mr. Fraser

Having regard to the Government undertaking in paragraph 24 of the White Paper, is it not contradictory that even to-day we find steel works in West Scotland being closed down and workers transferred to other areas, or even to other industries?

Sir A. Duncan

No, Sir. I had a Question on this subject before from the hon. Gentleman. Work has not been transferred to other areas. Any cut which has taken place has been very small and uniformly applied, in all of what were the depressed areas, in the light of transport considerations and in view of the operational demands.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's great knowledge of the steel trade and the possibilities of its development, will he look at this matter afresh in order to prevent any of our steel trade being sacrificed in the interests of concerns in other countries?

Sir A. Duncan

The steel industry of this country was not sacrificed for anything but operational demands.

Mr. Shinwell

Could not the right hon. Gentleman speak about the future?

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Are we to regard this as an ominous sign of what will happen in the steel industry when peace comes?

Sir A. Duncan

I should very much hope not, Sir.

Mr. Fraser

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the personnel of the steel industry in Scotland must have been reduced by 13 per cent. in the last six months, many of the workers having been transferred to other industries?

Sir A. Duncan

I have not exact figures of personnel. I have exact figures of production, and the reduction of production is trifling.