HC Deb 29 November 1951 vol 494 cc1713-4
54. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Agriculture what priority steel for agricultural implements is to receive under the new allocation system.

66. Mr. M. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to secure a sufficient supply of steel and other raw materials for the agricultural implement industry in view of the vital need to increase food production.

Sir T. Dugdale

When the new steel allocation scheme comes into operation on 4th February next the system of priorities now in use will no longer be appropriate. The total quantity of steel available will be distributed to industry through Government Departments and I can only say that I shall do my best to ensure that among the many strong claims on limited supplies those of agricultural implement makers for steel and other raw materials are taken fully into account.

Sir I. Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that nothing can save more dollars for Britain than the growing of more food, and will he therefore press for really adequate supplies of steel for both equipment and maintenance?

Sir T. Dugdale

I will do my best to represent the point of view of the Minister of Agriculture in the overall picture on this subject.