HC Deb 04 March 1952 vol 497 cc200-1
39. Mr. Mulley

asked the Minister of Works how many firms manufacturing housing fitments have received cuts in their iron and steel allocations, as compared with their consumption in 1951; and what is the estimated reduction in the supply in the current year, as compared with 1951, of fitments which require iron and steel for their manufacture.

Mr. Eccles

My Department is responsible for the allocation of steel to 1,170 firms making housing fitments and all have received a reduced allocation as compared with 1951. But I hope that, including those made of substitute materials, there will be sufficient fitments for the house building programme.

Mr. Mulley

Will the Minister take all possible steps to control the reduction in allocations in order to enable firms to switch over steadily from this work to defence work instead of by sudden cuts which mean that the working forces of these firms which will be needed when the position improves are dismissed?

Mr. Eccles

I am watching that position.

43. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Works what consideration he has given to the relative merits of sheet-steel and cast-iron for the manufacture of gutters, drain and soil-pipes, baths and cookers for the housing programme; and what is the policy of his Department in regard to the substitution of sheet-steel for cast-iron in respect of such housing requisites.

Mr. Eccles

I am aware of the saving in ferrous metal which theoretically can be obtained by substituting pressed steel for cast-iron. There are, however, certain drawbacks. The steel product is not always so satisfactory in use as cast-iron. There is a shortage of zinc for galvanising. There is no surplus of steel sheet, and in some cases retooling would be involved. I cannot risk any shortage of fitments for building, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that I shall continue to watch the matter closely and secure economies where those are practicable.

Mr. Nabarro

In view of the very satisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, may I ask whether he would take steps to bring the technicalities of this matter to the notice of certain steel makers who are endeavouring, quite ill-advisedly, to substitute sheet-steel for cast-iron in these essential requisites for the building trade?

Mr. Eccles

I am doing it.