HC Deb 16 November 1953 vol 520 cc1376-7
5 and 6. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Supply (1) what action has now been taken regarding the two applications by Wear shipbuilders, recently submitted to the Inter-Departmental Committee on the allocation of steel plates;

(2) what further steps he intends to take to improve the supplies of steel plate to the shipbuilding industry.

Mr. Sandys

Action to improve deliveries of steel plate to shipbuilders, and to help individual firms in obtaining supplies, is being taken on the lines which I announced to the House on 20th April. Orders for the full tonnage required by the two Wearside shipbuilders concerned have been accepted for delivery in the first quarter of next year.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while we appreciate the statement that he has made, and appreciate the work of the Inter-Departmental Committee, there is a general feeling in the shipbuilding industry that what they want is a more effective overall priority for steel plates?

Mr. Sandys

As far as I know, there is a feeling in the shipbuilding industry that supplies of plate are improving.