HC Deb 22 June 1953 vol 516 cc104-5W
71 and 72. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Minister of Supply (1) whether he will make a statement on the progress being made by the inter-Departmental committee on the allocation of steel plates;

(2) what improvements can be expected in the delivery of steel plates to the shipbuilding and ship repairing industries during the remainder of 1953.

Mr. Sandys

The inter-Departmental Committee is making satisfactory progress and improved deliveries of steel plate have been arranged for a number of consumers. It is expected that, during the second half of this year, there will be some increase in supplies to the shipbuilding and ship repairing industries, but I am not yet in a position to give any precise figures.