HC Deb 31 July 1951 vol 491 cc1156-8
3. Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what total tonnage of reinforcing steel will be required for the 1951 building programme; and whether he anticipates that supplies will be continuously available.

Mr. McNeil

It is estimated that 1,000 tons of reinforcing steel will be required for the housing programme in Scotland during the remaining five months of this year. The demands of the defence programme make the supply of steel rods particularly difficult. My Department will, however, continue to make every effort to meet the needs of particular schemes.

Mr. Spence

Is the Minister aware of the virtual hold-up in housing at the moment through shortage of these rods, and is he further aware that even old bedsteads are now being used in place of proper reinforcing steel in order to prevent a complete stoppage? Would the Minister say what he is doing to overcome the immediate difficulty?

Mr. McNeil

I would not agree that there is a general hold-up. I have no information supporting that contention. As I indicated in an earlier debate, wherever a specific supply problem is brought to my attention, then my Department, with my right hon. Friend, attempt to remedy that temporary situation.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Has the Secretary of State noticed that this Question refers to building, without any qualification of any kind, and will he say how much of the reinforced steel will be allocated to the building of ships and agricultural machinery where the steel is very badly needed?

Mr. McNeil

I should not like to give a firm opinion, but the Question refers to reinforcing steel and, therefore, primarily to housing. Although I am no expert on the subject, I should not think that the ships which are built in my part of the world are held together by reinforcing rods.

Mr. Spence

May I ask for an assurance that the right hon. Gentleman will look into this matter so far as it affects North-East Scotland, and will he accept my assurance that there is a real hold-up there at the present time?

Mr. McNeil

I shall be most anxious to consider any specific information and to give every possible help.

Mr. McInnes

If 500 tons of steel are required for the housing programme, what percentage is that of the total steel required for the building programme in Scotland?

Mr. McNeil

I think 1,000 tons will be necessary for the housing programme in the current year. I regret that I could not make a calculation as to the percentage.