§ 94. Mr. Willeyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that some shipyards have still received steel deliveries considerably short of their third quarter allocation; and if he will take steps to ensure that these yards receive immediate additional supplies.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasYes. Certain shipbuilders have recently reported that in the third quarter their orders for steel have not been fully delivered. I understand that the shortfall has been largely caused by the interruption to steel production during holidays at the steel works.
The iron and steel distribution scheme provides that, where for any reason delivery of steel ordered against an authorisation for a particular quarter is unavoidably delayed beyond the end of that quarter, delivery may be made in the ensuing quarter. Shipbuilders are aware of this and no special action on my part is, therefore, necessary.