HC Deb 04 February 1952 vol 495 cc80-2W
92. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the concern that the announcement of the cuts in steel supplies to the cycle industry has caused; and, in view of the low stocks still held by the industry, if he will reconsider the matter at an early date so as to avoid the disruption of the working of the industry.

101 and 103. Mr. Deedes

asked the Minister of Supply (1) the results of his conversations with a deputation from the cycle industry on the subject of steel allocation to this section of industry;

(2) if he is satisfied that the allocation of steel for period I of this year to bicycle manufacturers will enable them to maintain their export programmes; and if he will increase the allocation.

Mr. Sandys

I recently met representatives of the bicycle manufacturers and discussed with them their steel requirements. Having regard to the substantial contribution which this industry is making to the export trade, I hope to be able to increase their steel allocations in the second quarter of the year.

97. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that owing to a shortage of steel for reinforcement work for housing in Newport, the work of the erection of new houses is likely to be retarded; and what action he is taking to secure sufficient supplies.

Mr. Sandys

The production of reinforcing steel has not been keeping pace with the growth of demand in the last 12 months and many building schemes have been affected. Steps are being taken to increase supplies of reinforcing steel as quickly as possible and I hope that there will be some improvement in the second quarter of this year. The control of distribution of steel, which came into force today, will help to secure that authorised requirements are satisfied.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Minister of Supply the detailed distribution, industry by industry, of United Kingdom steel production in 1951.

Mr. Sandys

Information about the distribution of finished steel, both produced in the United Kingdom and imported, to consuming industries is published regularly in the Monthly Statistical Bulletins of the British Iron and Steel Federation. Figures for the first 11 months of 1951 are shown in Table 17 of the Bulletin for December, 1951, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. Figures for December, 1951, are not yet available.

Mr. Norman Smith

asked the Minister of Supply when he intends to publish a revised list of maximum prices for steel.

Mr. Sandys

The matter is at present being considered. Meanwhile, I am not in a position to make any statement.