§ 27. Mr. Palmerasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that it is the largest single industrial consumer, what special steps he is taking to ensure that the steel industry receives supplies of fuel oil adequate to maintain output and avoid possible unemployment.
§ Mr. ErrollArrangements are being made for the steel industry to obtain additional supplies of creosote pitch to make up for the 10 per cent. reduction in their supplies of fuel oil. It is expected that by this means output can be maintained and unemployment avoided.
§ Mr. PalmerIs the Minister aware that this is a question of particular concern to those who represent steel-making constituencies? Will he give the House an assurance that his right hon. Friend will watch the position of which we speak rather more closely than usual?
§ Mr. ErrollMy right hon. Friend will certainly watch the position for the future, but it should be made plain that the supply of creosote pitch should make good entirely the cut in fuel oil.