HC Deb 06 July 1959 vol 608 cc859-60
1. Mr. Palmer

asked the Paymaster-General if he will ask the Iron and Steel Board to report to him on the provision of additional production facilities at Normanby Iron Works, Cargo Fleet, in order to maintain full employment at those works.

The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

No, Sir. The Board has already informed my noble Friend that no additional facilities are proposed at these works.

Mr. Palmer

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that these works are owned by the Steel Agency? Could he say why all proposals that have been submitted for the modernisation of this plant have been turned down in recent years? Is it not possible that the Iron and Steel Board is deliberately allowing the plant to run down in order to give assistance to the works' principal privately-owned competitors that manufacture the same product?

Mr. Maudling

The hon. Gentleman should not allow his suspicions to run away with him. I must say that the decisions at issue, which are the relevant issues, on this matter of reconstruction are matters for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and not for my noble Friend the Minister of Power.

Mr. Palmer

But the Paymaster-General will understand that I have good reason to be suspicious because this affects the employment of my constituents. Is he aware that 400 to 500 of them are affected?

Mr. Maudling

I am aware of the employment position, but doubtful of the suspicions.