HC Deb 20 March 1947 vol 435 c585
45. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the results of his meetings this week with representative people engaged in the supply of fuel and power; and of his meetings with trade unions or employers' organisations.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I have nothing to add to the full statement which was published in the Press yesterday about the meeting which I held on 18th March with the Executive Committee of the National Union of Mineworkers.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is the Prime Minister aware that preference is still being given to raw materials required for plant orders for abroad, and will he give instructions to the appropriate Ministers that preference must be given to orders that are so urgently required for home purposes?

The Prime Minister

Preference has been given to our home requirements. Obviously, where there is something that has been on order which takes some years to complete, it should be completed and got clear to make way for other work.