HC Deb 10 March 1952 vol 497 cc986-8
2 Mr. Gerald Nabarro

asked the Minister of Supply (1) what arrangements he is making to assure continuity of supply of raw materials to the iron-founders for production of approved domestic solid-fuel burning appliances, both in respect of the new housing construction programme and in respect of replacements for old-type open domestic grates;

(2) whether, in view of the controversy between ironfounders and steelmakers upon allocation of available resources of scrap and pig-iron, he will state what steps he is taking to assure continuity of the flow of iron-castings to the engineering and allied industries;

(3) whether he is aware that 25 per cent., approximately, of the output of iron foundries is devoted to the provision of gutters, drain and soil pipes, baths and cookers for the housing programme; and what steps he is taking to assure adequate supplies of scrap and pig-iron for iron foundries to meet this requirement.

Mr. Sandys

I am examining with the industry the whole question of the division of available raw materials between iron founding and steelmaking. Every effort is being made to meet the requirements for housing and other essential purposes.

Mr. Nabarro

In view of the fact that these three Questions are not entirely related to one another, may I ask my right hon. Friend two supplementary questions? First, in connection with Question No. 2, is he satisfied that all steps will be taken to ensure full conservation of our coal resources by making sufficient cast iron available for a million solid-fuel burning appliances during 1952? Second, in view of the importance of the high conversion value of iron castings for the engineering industries, will he pay special attention to the conversion value aspect of the problem?

— 1950 1951
Total Working Days Number of Working Days Lost Total Working Days Number of Working Days Lost
June … 608,000 33,777 921,325 45,860
July … 746,625 36,079 746,500 33,281
August … 592,840 23,862 756,620 30,597
September … 748,325 37,348 946,950 46,301
October … 603,780 33,767 768,440 44,091
November … 608,700 36,053 776,960 45,524
December … 765,200 43,941 985,275 46,364
16. Captain L. P. S. Orr

asked the Minister of Supply the number of Royal Ordnance factories in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.

Mr. Sandys

There are 17 in England, three in Scotland, three in Wales and none in Northern Ireland.

Captain Orr

Does not the Minister think it is a pity that there is none in Northern Ireland? Will he bear in mind

Mr. Sandys

As the first question is very detailed I should like to see it on the Order Paper. As regards the second, I certainly can give my hon. Friend the assurance he seeks.