§ 37. Mr. David Rentonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the scarcity of light sections of mild steel, particularly of flats ⅛ in., 3/16 in., and ¼ in.; what is the cause of the shortage; and what steps are being taken to overcome it.
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir. There is a very heavy demand and a serious shortage of semi-finished material, due largely to the difficulty of obtaining imports. We are doing all we can to improve the position, but I am afraid that no early relief is possible.
§ Mr. RentonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that so far as home-produced light sections are concerned, it is largely a matter of arranging the necessary incentives? Would he please consider the matter from that point of view?
§ Mr. WilmotI am sorry, but I do not quite appreciate the hon. Member's point.
§ Mr. RentonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the real point is that it pays the men at the moment to produce the larger sections to a greater extent than the light sections? Would he please look into it?
§ Mr. WilmotI will certainly look into it.