§ 41 and 42. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Supply (1) whether, in view of the defence programme, he is satisfied that imported and indigenous supplies of ore during the next 12 months will be sufficient to sustain the national output of finished steel estimated during 1951 at 17,000,000 tons;
(2) whether, in view of the defence programme, he is satisfied that existing arrangements for supply of scrap are adequate for the high rate of finished steel production required during 1951.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Stechford (Mr. Jenkins) on 7th December.
§ Mr. NabarroIn considering his recent statement, did the Minister take into account the fact that imports of dollar coal will withdraw from the iron ore importing cargo available for this country a very considerable number of merchant vessels, which will affect the continuity of iron ore supplies next year? What is he doing about this?
§ Mr. StraussThere are all sorts of uncertainties about the production of steel next year, I quite agree, but, as I indicated in my statement on 7th December, if we are able to get the scrap which we now seek to get and there is no falling off in iron ore from the demands which have been put forward, there is no reason why we should not do well.
§ Mr. NabarroBut is the right hon. Gentleman not aware—and this is not conjectural, it is fact—that vessels are being transferred from the iron ore trade? Will he therefore give this matter urgent attention?
§ Mr. StraussYes, Sir; I am fully aware of the shipping position in connection with iron ore.