§ 11. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent shortage of steel and cast-iron pipes limited the expansion of the gas industry in 1951–52; to what extent this affected coal economies that could otherwise have been made; what is the estimated deficit of steel and cast-iron supply for the gas industry in 1952–53; and what steps are being taken to meet that deficit in order that the gas industry may make an optimum contribution to coal conservation and coke and other by-product supplies.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydIt is not possible to provide the detailed estimates that my hon. Friend would like; but I am glad to 11 say that recently we have been able to secure some increase in supplies both of steel and of cast-iron pipes for the gas industry.
§ Mr. NabarroWill the increase in supplies meet the demands of the Gas Council in the matter?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think that in present circumstances either the Council or industrialists like those, for example, in the City of Birmingham, with which both he and I are familiar, will expect to have their demands met in full.