Mr. Makerasked the Minister of Technology whether he is now able to make an estimate of the effects on British industry of the continuing strike at the 196W International Nickel Company's refinery in Clydach, South Wales.
§ Mr. Harold LeverAs my hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 5th December, the Clydach refinery is only one of several owned by the International Nickel Company of Canada Ltd., and serving United Kingdom users. International Nickel has forecast that deliveries to customers will rise to about 70 per cent. of pre-strike levels by the end of this month, and progressively to 100 per cent. by April. However, there are some forms of nickel which are made only at Clydach and there will inevitably be a shortage of these until production is resumed.