34. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what representations he received during March from specialised engineering contractors regarding delays in deliveries of steel in the East Midlands area; and what action he has taken.
§ 36. Mr. Allasonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what evidence he received during March from specialist engineering contractors regarding delays in deliveries of steel in the East Midlands area; and what action he has taken.
§ Mr. MellishNone, Sir, but at a meeting of the East Midland Regional Joint Committee held on 20th February, 1969, a representative of specialist engineering contractors mentioned, without giving 251 details, that there had been delays in the delivery of steel of up to 12 weeks.
Mr. Gresham CookeWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, is he aware that engineers in the East Midlands are concerned about delays of 12 weeks since the nationalisation of steel? What is to be done about it?
§ Mr. MellishAs no details of complaints were provided, no further action was taken. If the hon. Gentleman has details and cares to send them to me, I will undertake to investigate them.
§ Mr. AllasonIs the Minister aware that the construction industry in the East Midlands is working substantially below capacity because of the shortage of steel? Can he tell us whether there is any connection between this and the forthcoming increase in steel prices?
§ Mr. MellishI doubt that very much. If the hon. Gentleman has any complaints, I extend the same invitation to him. If he will let me have details in writing, I will investigate them properly without these rumours across the Floor of the House.