§ 2. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present allocation of steel plate to each of the Aberdeen shipbuilding firms.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasAs announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of 2209 Supply on 5th May, 1953, statutory control of the distribution of iron and steel, with the exception of tinplate, was terminated on 6th May, 1953, and allocations of steel other than tinplate then ceased. The voluntary distribution scheme for steel plate, announced by my right hon. Friend on 20th April, 1953, continues to operate.
§ Mr. HughesAre these allocations of steel plate likely to be maintained in the current year? Also, may I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on not becoming confused by my putting the wrong supplementary on Question No. 1?
§ Mr. ThomasAfter our long sitting yesterday, I particularly welcome the hon. and learned Member's congratulations. It is difficult to answer the question, but supplies are expected to be greater in 1954 than they were in 1953.
§ Commander Scott-MillerMay we take it from my right hon. Friend's original reply that the steel supplies position is not in any way hindering the shipbuilding programme?
§ Mr. ThomasI am afraid that I cannot give that assurance. I am afraid that supplies still play a part in slackening the pace, but I have just said to the hon. and learned Member that I hope very much, in fact I am sure, that supplies this year will show an improvement on those of last year.