HC Deb 11 November 1969 vol 791 cc67-8W
77. Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Minister of Technology by what percentage the production of stainless steel has been reduced due to the current world shortage of nickel; and what effect this has had on employment within the industry.

Mr. Alan Williams

The general level of production of all nickel bearing steels, including stainless steel, has fallen to a little over half the July level of output. There has been a reduction in the shifts worked at some plants, but it has so far been possible to avoid any significant redundancies by transferring staff, wherever possible, to the production of other steels.