HC Deb 24 March 1952 vol 498 cc28-9
62. Mr. Arthur Holt

asked the Minister of Supply if he will ensure that sufficient supplies of steel are available to engineering firms in Bolton and district, so that the present unemployment in the cotton industry will not be increased by unemployment in the engineering firms due to shortage of materials.

Mr. Sandys

I know of no reason why the shortage of steel should affect employment in the cotton industry. However, if the hon. Member will send me particulars of the case he has in mind, I will have the matter looked into.

Mr. Holt

That is not an answer to the Question, which relates to supplies of steel available in engineering firms in Bolton.

Mr. Sandys

If the hon. Member will look at his own Question he will see that he asks whether I will ensure: … that sufficient supplies of steel are available to engineering firms in Bolton and district, so that the present unemployment in the cotton industry will not be increased by unemployment in the engineering firms due to shortage of materials. Frankly, I cannot see how the shortage of steel in the engineering industry can affect employment in the cotton industry.

Mr. Holt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a firm in Bolton have informed me that they are short of steel and that if they do not get an increased supply they will have to throw off 35 per cent. of their workpeople, which will merely add to the unemployment already existing in the cotton industry?

Mr. Sandys

That is a somewhat different question. If the hon. Member is saying that Bolton has been less well treated for steel than other parts of the country, I will gladly look into the matter; but there is, of course, a shortage of steel throughout the engineering industry.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of engineering firms in Bolton and other similar centres are engaged on the production of plant for the modernisation of the cotton industry and also for its maintenance? In view of that, will the Minister give an undertaking that he will make an investigation into this matter so that there will be no steel shortages in these places?

Mr. Sandys

I recognise the necessity for steel for improving plant for the cotton industry, but I do not believe that shortage of plant is one of the causes of the unemployment in that industry.