HC Deb 16 June 1947 vol 438 c1575
39. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Supply whether he intends to maintain the present allocation of steel to the motor industry during the third and fourth quarters of 1947.

Mr. Wilmot

Yes, Sir. I hope to be able to maintain the present allocation during the third quarter; it may indeed be possible to improve the allocation for the fourth quarter.

Mr. Edelman

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he will make available sufficient steel to maintain full production and employment until the end of the year?

Mr. Wilmot

That is going a bit further than I said. We shall do our best to maintain as high an allocation as is consistent with the needs of other requirements.

Sir Patrick Hannon

Is the Minister alive to the embarrassment which prevails throughout the industry in Coventry and Birmingham, owing to the restricted allocation of steel? Can he do anything to improve the situation?

Mr. Wilmot

We are very much alive to it, and the need for steel in other industries. We are doing our best to make it go all round.

Mr. Shawcross

Will my right hon. Friend continue to do everything in his power to assist those who will use this steel to produce models suitable for export?