HC Deb 17 May 1956 vol 552 cc2179-81
1. Mr. D. Howell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the unemployment and dislocation of industry at the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company due to a shortage of steel; why this exporting industry cannot get adequate supplies of steel; and what action he is taking to deal with this situation.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

I am aware of the company's difficulties, which have been caused by the breakage of rolls in two mills at the works of the company's main steel suppliers. Production from one mill is expected to start again soon, and arrangements have been made for suitable steel to be rolled shortly at another works until the second mill comes into production again.

Mr. Howell

While that may be true of the immediate difficulties, is the President aware that in fact there have been difficulties over a long period? In view of the important potentiality of this industry in the export trade, will the President please keep the matter under close observation, since some of us feel it certainly needs it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will certainly keep an eye on it; but the real difficultly here is an exceptional one, due to the breakage of this roll.

Mr. Bottomsley

Would the President say what steps are taken to see that the exporting industries in particular get the steel they require?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That is a rather wider question. In this case, steps are being taken to supply from another firm and to try to mend the roll which is broken.

4. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that shortage of steel is hampering work in the ship repair and other industries; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am aware that there are shortages in certain industries, although the total supply of steel has improved. The Iron and Steel Board is in consultation with the steel producers and others concerned to see how supplies for ship repairs can be improved.

Mr. Jay

Are not overseas orders being lost at present in this and other industries as a result of shortage of steel? Is the President satisfied that he can put this matter right without control of inessential uses of steel at home?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have discussed this before. I do not favour the allocation of steel; but I can say this to the hon. Gentleman, that the Iron and Steel Board, on 11th May, stated that deliveries to the shipbuilding, constructional, and other engineering industries have been rising in March and were at the rate of 98,400 tons a week, as compared with 82,900 tons a week a year ago, giving a rise of 19 per cent., which is a very substantial performance.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Would the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, in spite of the remarks he has made, there is still considerable anxiety in the shipbuilding and repairing industry in regard to supplies of steel, particularly on Tyneside? Can he not do anything about it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am aware of anxieties in many industries on the subject of steel shortage.

Mr. Hayman

Is the President aware that there are severe shortages of steel for country blacksmiths and agricultural engineers? Will he do what he can to improve the supply position for them?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am aware of that, and I have answered a number of Questions on the subject.