HC Deb 21 March 1951 vol 485 cc2416-7
46. Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Defence what steps have been taken in the event of attack on this country for the provision of the necessary steel and iron to erect the defences around our coasts as were considered necessary during the late war.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

No special steps are considered necessary at the present time. Many of the materials required are of kinds of which there would be substantial commercial stocks which could, if necessary, be drawn on in an emergency.

Sir T. Moore

Does the Minister consider that the recent unwarrantable interference with, and disturbance of, the iron and steel industry will facilitate the provision of this material when it is required?

Mr. Shinwell

There is no reason why it should hold up our re-armament programme.