HC Deb 11 April 1960 vol 621 cc859-60
19 and 20. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Power (1) what was Scotland's share of total United Kingdom crude steel production in 1948 and in 1959;

(2) if he will state the percentage increase or decrease in Scotland's crude steel production between 1948 and 1959; and if he will compare Scottish growth or decline over this period with that of the rest of the United Kingdom.

Mr. George

The Scottish share of total United Kingdom production was 15.2 per cent. in 1948 and 9.7 per cent. in 1959. Scottish crude steel production in 1959 was 12.9 per cent. less than in 1948, while production in the rest of the United Kingdom was 44.4 per cent. higher.

Mr. Lawson

Does not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that we are now dealing with a private industry which shows how serious the position of Scotland is becoming? Is he not aware that more than 1 million tons more production would be required for Scotland to get back to its customary figure of 15 per cent. of United Kingdom steel production?

Mr. George

I am sure the hon. Gentleman would not want to draw a wrong picture of Scotland's steel position. When he compares production in 1948 and in 1959, he is comparing full production with a very low level of production. I am sure he will be pleased to note that in the first quarter of this year Scottish production was 12.1 per cent. above the 1948 level, representing 10.9 per cent. of United Kingdom production, and that it is expected that Scottish capacity will be 11 per cent. of United Kingdom capacity in 1962 and 12 per cent. in 1965.

Mr. Lawson

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that on any unbiased judgment those figures show a steady decline in Scotland's share of steel output? Is not this a very serious matter indeed for Scotland, a country from which the hon. Gentleman comes?

Mr. George

The comparisons which the hon. Gentleman has made relate to the very much larger United Kingdom output of today, and it is right to say that the prospects for Scotland's steel production have been considerably enhanced by the developments at Ravenscraig.