HC Deb 19 November 1951 vol 494 cc13-4
27. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will give special attention to the problem of securing smooth delivery of steel necessary for the work of erecting the oil refinery at the Isle of Grain, so as to ensure early completion of the work and to avoid redundancy amongst the workers.

Mr. Sandys

I am looking into this matter, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Sir R. Acland

Does the Minister appreciate that a quite small hold up of material, if it causes redundancy of labour, means manpower being withdrawn from the site, that it is very

As regards the second point, the position is that while the Committee has not so far produced any great results, it must not be regarded entirely as a failure because it is watching the situation, and if a serious shortage develops it would, per haps, be in a position to step in and make some further proposals.

Following is the table:

difficult to get such manpower back again, and that this may cause an unexpectedly large delay in bringing about the early completion of this work?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that his Question was only put down on Friday, and I have not yet had time to look into the matter. However, I can assure him that no time will be wasted.