§ 8. Mr. P. Williamsasked the First Lord of the Admiralty to make a statement regarding an increase of supplies of steel plate to the shipbuilding industry.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasThe prospects of increased plate supplies for the 2769 merchant shipbuilding industry are favourable. Deliveries of steel plates to the shipyards in September showed a welcome improvement and, except in three instances, which are receiving attention, all orders by shipbuilders for steel plate for delivery in the current quarter have been accepted by the steel industry.
§ Mr. WilliamsWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask him how it is possible for his Department to advise shipbuilders to approach stockists for steel plate when the House is under the impression that the Inter-Departmental Committee is the committee dealing with the allocation scheme?
§ Mr. ThomasPerhaps my hon. Friend had better put down that question, because it seems to be far away from the one he is asking today.
§ Mr. WilleyWhile we appreciate the work done by the Inter-Departmental Committee so far, does the Minister realise that there are still complaints that this industry, which is one with a very good record in the matter of ploughing back capital for modernising its plant, must raise its output in order to show a return on the work it has done? It is certainly embarrassed at the present time.
§ Mr. ThomasThat, again, is another question, but I will certainly study it.
§ Mr. AwberyCan we take it that the supply of steel plate to the ship repairing industry is as satisfactory as to the shipbuilding industry?
§ Mr. ThomasI think I am right in saying that it is more so than to the shipbuilding industry.
Miss WardWould it not be a good idea if my right hon. Friend came up to the North-East Coast and let us all get together to discuss this matter?
§ Mr. ThomasI should be delighted to come to the North-East Coast and to get together Members of all parties on this question. I hope it will not be too long before I do so.