§ 25. Mr. R. Brooman-Whiteasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the present short-time working in certain branches of Scottish steel production and of the particular difficulties arising from the Scottish industries' traditional dependence on charging a high proportion of scrap; and whether he will take particular account of these circumstances in considering the allocation of ingots and scrap obtained as a result of the recent agreements with the United States of America and Western Germany.
§ Mr. SandysYes, Sir. These factors will certainly be taken into account by the steel industry in arranging the allocation of imported ingots and scrap.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteIs my right hon. Friend aware that in past economic crises the industries of Clydeside have taken rather more than their fair share of the beating and, in facing the new and unprecedented difficulties of today, will my right hon. Friend keep their special circumstances in mind and ensure that they do not again suffer disproportionately?
§ Mr. SandysYes, Sir, I certainly will, but my hon. Friend will realise that scrap is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain 1000 and that the only satisfactory long-term solution is the production of more pig-iron.
§ Mr. A. C. ManuelCan the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the ingots he intends importing in the near future he is prepared to allocate to Scotland? Scotland is becoming very concerned about this. There will be short-time working and unemployment in a certain factory there unless it is given a fair share of the scrap which comes in.
§ Mr. SandysI could not go into figures without notice.