§ 14. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is still a shortage of steel in Aberdeen; that this shortage is preventing the fulfilment of orders for agricultural implements and machines for foreign export, thereby depriving Britain of foreign currency; and if he will take steps to rectify this position.
§ Mr. LowThe demand for steel continues at a high level, and I am aware that manufacturers in Aberdeen and elsewhere are not always able to secure their full requirements of steel from home suppliers. The Iron and Steel Board is in touch with the manufacturer of agricultural machines about whose case the hon. and learned Member wrote last month.
§ Mr. HughesDoes that long and involved answer mean that the Minister thinks that he is supplying enough steel to Aberdeen? Does he realise that his failure to supply that steel is contrary to the national interest because it is interfering with the export trade and the intake of foreign currency?
§ Mr. LowI am well aware of the importance of steel being available to the hon. and learned Gentleman's constituency. Of course, it is no part of my responsibility to supply that steel; that is done by the steel manufacturers. I think that the hon. and learned Member knows that the difficulties here have been looked into, and that six of the items in short supply have now been obtained from stockholding merchants. Another one will be delivered shortly, and efforts are being made to find a source of supply for the other two items, which are of small size. My information is that the production of small sizes of steel has been increasing lately.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the fact that the Minister's information seems to be completely wrong, and his answer unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.