HC Deb 21 April 1953 vol 514 cc793-4
21. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the difficulties at present facing the light castings industry in the Falkirk area; and whether he will consult with his colleagues in the Government in order that appropriate steps may be taken to enable the industry to overcome these difficulties.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Yes, Sir, I am in close touch with my colleagues and the position is being urgently looked into by the Departments concerned.

Mr. MacPherson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation in this industry is a great deal worse than it ought to be in an industry connected with metal using and metal production, and is he aware that a good part of the responsibility for this rebuilding must lie directly on the present Government, because a good part of its present situation is attributable to recent Government policy?

Mr. Stewart

I find it difficult to accept that suggestion. In fact, the problem is extremely complicated, involving fundamental changes in the pattern of demand and in technique and import restrictions by other countries. We are looking into this matter and we are in touch with the Scottish Board for Industry. We are doing everything possible because we are as anxious as the hon. Gentleman is about it.