§ 21. Mr. G. Darlingasked the Paymaster-General when the Iron and Steel Board's survey of expected future demands for, and production of, steel, as requested by the Minister of Power, will be published.
§ Mr. RentonIt is intended to publish it this summer.
§ Mr. DarlingCan the Parliamentary Secretary explain this delay? Is he not aware that the Iron and Steel Board is under a statutory obligation to keep the affairs of the industry—productive capacity and so on—under review, and that in 1955 the Board promised to produce a report on these lines? Why has it taken so long for us to get this information?
§ Mr. RentonI understood that the hon. Gentleman's Question referred to the special Report which it was announced the Board would make about its requirements up to 1962. Bearing in mind that that is a very important report dealing with its long-term plans, I should not have thought that there had been an unusual delay, but at any rate it is hoped to lay the Report before both Houses of Parliament this summer in accordance with the Iron and Steel Act.