§ 17. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the shortage of steel in the shipbuilding, ship repairing and other engineering works of Aberdeen; and when, and to what extent, he proposes to increase the allocation of steel to these works.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Duncan Sandys)There is, unfortunately, a shortage of steel throughout the country. The requirements of all steel consuming 8 industries are being reviewed in connection with the steel allocation scheme which I announced last week.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister agree that, for reasons of national defence as well as national economy, shipbuilding is an essential service, and, in these circumstances, will he therefore see that steel is given priority?
§ Mr. SandysShipbuilding, of course, is a matter for the Admiralty. With regard to engineering works, to which the hon. and learned Gentleman refers, two of them in Aberdeen have already received preferential treatment certificates. If others like to apply their cases will also be examined.