§ 2. Major Ramsayasked the Minister of Works whether he will consider taking action to increase the availability of essential maintenance and development requirements of the electricity industry in Scotland, in view of the fact that the shortage of these things is holding up our export trade and the fabrication of materials required for housing to an alarming extent.
§ 3. Major Guy Lloydasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the shortage of materials for use in electrical work and accessories in Scotland; and whether he will, in collaboration with the Minister of Supply, arrange for materials to be available to the electrical contracting industry in Scotland, in order that full employment may be found for skilled electricians who otherwise may be paid off 1786 and for those returning from active service.
The Minister of Works (Mr. Tomlin-son)I am aware of the shortage of electrical components, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is taking all possible steps to increase production. I am not aware that the shortage is more acute in Scotland than elsewhere but I am prepared to look into any particular case that hon. Members may have specially in mind.
§ Major RamsayWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that this matter will be treated with all possible urgency?
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, Sir.
§ Major LloydWould the Minister agree that it is a very serious thing that there are highly skilled trained electricians of many years' service who are having to be paid off because of the situation which has developed in Scotland as a result of that shortage?
§ Mr. TomlinsonFor that reason we are doing all we can to increase production.