HC Deb 30 June 1952 vol 503 cc7-8
13. Mr. Brooman-White

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the progress of measures being taken to meet the difficulties of the Scottish steel industry.

Mr. Sandys

The main cause of the difficulty has been the serious fall in scrap imports. However, of the reduced quantities of scrap now being imported, Scottish steel producers are receiving double the proportion they received a year ago. In addition, special measures have been taken to increase their supplies of iron ore, pig iron and American ingots. In this connection, I would appeal to all in Scotland to give their active support to the present scrap drive, and so assist Scottish steel producers.

Mr. Brooman-White

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this answer may give considerable encouragement to the Scottish steel industry in its difficulties and also bring some benefit to Scottish steel consumers, who may have been having trouble in having their allocation met?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister aware that a very big American factory which was to have manufactured agricultural machinery, has, owing to the shortage of steel, been compelled to stop the negotiations for its factory in East Kilbride? Is he aware that this cornering of steel priorities for re-armament is ruining some of Scotland's most important industries?

Mr. Sandys

We are trying, so far as we can, to supplement the production of steel in Scotland. One measure which has been taken—and again I apologise to those who are not Scottish—is to send to Scotland more than her proportionate share of the steel received from America.

Mr. Nicholson

What justification is there for favouring one part of the United Kingdom against another?

Mr. Sandys

It is not a question of favouring one part of the United Kingdom against another. The output of steel in Scotland is smaller in relation to requirements there than it is in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. McInnes

The Minister has said that Scotland is now receiving double the proportion of imported scrap that she had before. What percentage is that of the United Kingdom total?

Mr. Sandys

Scotland is receiving over half of all the scrap imported into the United Kingdom.