§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that production is being curtailed at the aluminium works in Burntisland, and as a result 200 workers have been thrown out of employment, although the Government have taken over the year's output and guaranteed the firm's profits; and will he take steps to get the dismissed men restarted?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe works to which the hon. Member refers produce alumina, which is subsequently converted into 319W aluminium elsewhere. I understand that production at these works has been curtailed because part of the alumina was previously sent to Norway for conversion into aluminium in that country. The question of keeping the works in full production is being discussed with the company. I should add that the Ministry of Supply have purchased the whole output of aluminium of the British Aluminium Company at an agreed price, but have not guaranteed their profits. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on this subject.