HC Deb 11 March 1957 vol 566 cc779-80
6. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Paymaster-General if he is aware of the loss of foreign and other orders being suffered by Messrs. R. G. Garvie and Sons, agricultural implement makers, Aberdeen, of which he has been informed, owing to the petrol shortage; if he is also aware of the loss inflicted on other industries in the north of Scotland by this shortage; and when he expects to be able to rectify the situation in such a way as to enable Scottish industry to regain its normal productivity.

Mr. Maudling

I have written to the hon. and learned Member about the particular case referred to. I am not aware that petrol rationing has materially affected the productivity of Scottish industry in general.

Mr. Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is interfering with the productivity of this firm and with its exports of agricultural implements?

Mr. Maudling

From the correspondence which the hon. and learned Gentleman was good enough to send me, it appears that the particular export orders were held up not by reason of petrol shortage but because they were destined for Egypt, which is rather a different matter. I do not think that shortage of petrol is holding up production in this firm or in Scotland.