HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 cc89-90W
102. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will now give details of his new allocation system for steel; and what priority will be accorded to the manufacturers of agricultural implements and spare parts.

Mr. Sandys

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a booklet published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office as a general guide on the working of the Scheme. On the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on 29th November last.

103. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Supply what percentage of last year's allocation of steel to the motor industry he expects to make available to it in the course of 1952.

Mr. Sandys

Only sheet steel was allocated last year. The figures do not therefore provide any basis for comparison with 1952 when all types of steel have been brought within the allocation scheme.

104. Mr. Deedes

asked the Minister of Supply when he expects to be able to make an announcement in respect of steel allocations to bicycle manufacturers for the second period of this year.

Mr. Sandys

Allocations for the second quarter have now been issued to bicycle manufacturers. The allocation to the industry as a whole is much larger than that for the first quarter.

105. Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the impending reduction of cars and commercial vehicles for the home market and the consequent greater need for repairs to old vehicles kept running, he will ensure that an increased allotment of steel for the provision of spare parts will be allowed to manufacturers.

Mr. Sandys

Yes. The allocation of steel for the production of spares has been increased for the second quarter of this year.