HC Deb 23 June 1952 vol 502 cc1840-1
52. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the inquiry he has made into the steel allocation to the Northern Region.

Mr. Sandys

I have no knowledge of the inquiry referred to in the Question.

Miss Ward

Has my right hon. Friend made any inquiries into the Press report that there had been a wrong allocation of steel to the North-East coast? Is he aware that when I rang up his Department I was told that an inquiry would be made, and has that information not yet reached my right hon. Friend? If I put down a Question next week will he be able to deny or confirm the Press report which has caused grave anxiety on the North-East coast?

Mr. Sandys

I would not be in a position either to confirm or deny this statement for the simple reason that steel is allocated by industries and not by regions. I therefore think that the statement must be based on a misunderstanding of the position.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Admiralty is carrying out an investigation into the statement, and will he kindly ring up his right hon. Friend the First Lord and find out from him the true facts and the result of this inquiry?

Mr. Sandys

I see that the hon. Lady has a Question down to the First Lord of the Admiralty later this week. Perhaps she will await his reply.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not the case that the steel allocation scheme is not working satisfactorily? Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the statement by leading Midland manufacturers that in the actual allocation of steel there is a great deal of favouritism, and that the excellent scheme referred to by his own Ministry is not being put into practice?

Mr. Sandys

I am not aware of any favouritism whatsoever. On the whole, the scheme is working far more smoothly than I expected. I warned the House some months ago that for some time there would continue to be difficulties in obtaining particular types of steel which might be required for particular industries.