§ 29. Mr. P. Thorneycroftasked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that the supplies of virgin aluminium allocated to the Northern Aluminium Company, Rogerstone, will be sufficient to keep their new extension in full operation.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussAs I informed the hon. Member in my letter of 14th November, the future aluminium requirements of the Northern Aluminium Company are likely to exceed the quota due to them under the Ministry's rationing scheme. On the basis of the supplies of metal at present available deliveries to the company cannot be increased.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is almost impossible to make any sense out of that reply? [HON. MEMBERS: "Cheap!"] Would he now answer the Question, and say whether the factory extension which he himself opened only a short time ago will have enough raw material to keep its men in work?
§ Mr. StraussI answered the Question which was down on the Paper quite simply and clearly, that the aluminium supply position is such that there will be insufficient to meet the full requirements of this company, and of the industry generally.