§ 3. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Paymaster-General to what extent the decline in iron and steel production, particularly in the heavy section, is due to the reduction in orders from Government Departments and the nationalised industries.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)I regret that, as complete information is not available, I can reply only as regards direct deliveries of steel. Total steel deliveries in the first nine months of this year were 968,000 tons lower than deliveries in the same period last year. A reduction in deliveries to the railways and coal mines accounted for 124,000 tons of this. The corresponding figures for heavy steel are 356,000 tons and 99,000 tons respectively.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs not the Minister aware that this increase and much of the short-time work in the heavy steel industry, especially on Tees-side, are due to 2 the falling off of orders from the nationalised industries? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what action he is now taking to increase orders so that we can get up to 100 per cent. in volume again?
§ Mr. MaudlingCertainly the orders from the railways and the coal mines have had a substantial effect. Both these industries are aware of that and of what they can do to help the steel industry. I think that the biggest single factor has been the fall in export demand.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what deliveries to the shipbuilding industry have been made in the same period?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am afraid that I cannot; not without notice.