§ 5. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that whereas three-quarters of the total steel required is available for the next quarter and manufacturers of industrial equipment have only been allocated one-third of their requirements and, as such drastic cuts will necessitate the closing down of plant producing both home and export requirements, what steps is he taking in the matter.
§ Mr. WilmotAllocations of steel sheet for the first quarter of 1947 have been settled and authorisations have been or are being issued. Steel sheet is at present in very short supply and the tonnage available is much less than the three-quarters of requirements to which the hon. and306W gallant Members refers. As regards other steels, final allocations are now being determined and some authorisations already issued will be supplemented. It is necessary to make special provision for vital programmes and the steel available for less essential production is correspondingly reduced. Every endeavour is, however, being made to maintain a reasonable balance of distribution and to avoid hardships.