HC Deb 02 March 1953 vol 512 cc8-9W
70. 70. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Supply how many orders issued by his Department are still operative which prohibit or limit the use of any raw material in the manufacture or construction of any article or structure; whether he will give a list of any such raw materials so affected; and what is his policy concerning the removal of such restrictions.

Mr. Low

The Nickel Prohibited Uses (Minister of Supply) Order restricts the use of nickel in the manufacture and in the plating of certain articles and the use of copper and zinc when alloyed with nickel in some articles. On the last part of the Question 1 would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Albans (Mr. J. Grimston) on 16th February last.

71. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Supply how many raw materials or manufactured products cannot be purchased freely without a licence or other authorisation from his Department; whether he will give a list of such raw materials or manufactured products; and what is his policy towards the removal of such restrictions.

Mr. Low

A licence is needed to acquire pig iron, ferrous scrap, the main forms of iron and steel, unwrought copper and virgin magnesium and magnesium alloy. Producers of aluminium in the United Kingdom require a licence from the Ministry of Supply to dispose of their metal in this country. The necessity for the continuance of these controls is being constantly watched and they will be removed as soon as sufficient supplies are available.

72. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Supply why he delayed rescinding the Order of his Department restricting the use of tinplate for certain purposes until extensive unemployment occurred in the tinplate industry in South Wales.

Mr. Low

For some months past licences have been readily granted for all the purposes covered by this Order. However, when it became clear that these relaxations could be continued indefinitely, the control was formally terminated. The Order could not, therefore, have had any effect whatsoever upon the employment situation.