§ 46. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister for Economic Affairs which categories of users are on the Prime Minister's list for priority allocations of steel; and how many manufacturers of agricultural machinery are on this list.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Marquand)I have been asked to reply. The Prime Minister's list of priority uses is at present restricted to the manufacture, installation and repair of certain kinds of equipment necessary for the expansion of our fuel and power resources and for atomic energy development. The existing priority system is at present under review.
§ Mr. HurdCould the Minister answer the second part of my Question, and at the same time tell the House whether every maker of agricultural machinery is now getting, and will in the immediate future get, all the steel he needs to meet the export target as well as the needs of the home market?
§ Mr. MarquandI have already explained that the priority system is under review. A specific answer to the last part of the Question would be that no manufacturers are on the priority list; only industries and services are on the priority list. The priority system is now under review, and the whole object of that review is to see how to take care of the agricultural machinery question.
§ Captain CrookshankThe hon. Gentleman says the matter is under review, but surely the Government have already announced that the highest priority is being given to agricultural machinery? Are their previous statements untrue?
§ Mr. MarquandI have no record of the statement, and I certainly did not make it.
§ Captain CrookshankBut the hon. Gentleman is a member of the Government.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord President of the Council said in a broadcast recently that it would be top priority?
§ Mr. MarquandI think that if hon. Members will await the review, which I hope to be able to announce at the very latest this time next week, they will be satisfied.
§ Captain CrookshankIt is not a question of review. The Government said this was receiving top priority. Maybe the hon. Gentleman did not say it, but the Government as a whole have said it. Is that true or not true?
§ Mr. MarquandThe right hon. and gallant Gentleman is repeating the statement of which, as I have said, I have no particular knowledge. All I can say is that at present agricultural machinery is not on the Prime Minister's list, but the list is being reviewed.
§ Captain CrookshankIf the hon. Gentleman has not got the knowledge, why on earth is he answering Questions?
§ 47. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Minister for Economic Affairs what were the reasons for the over-allocation of steel.
§ Mr. MarquandI have been asked to reply. Over-allocations of steel arose partly because in the period of reconversion Departments had to operate on the basis of insufficient knowledge of the real needs of the consumers, and partly because in certain periods supplies of steel fell below expectations.
§ Mr. SharpCan the Minister say exactly who is now in charge of the allocation of steel; and further, what action has been taken to ensure that those now in charge of such allocations are fully conversant with the needs of industry?
§ Mr. MarquandMy right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Economic Affairs is responsible for the allocations of steel. Under his authority I discharge the detailed work involved.