HC Deb 20 June 1978 vol 952 cc152-3W
Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the extent of the dependence of the NATO defence industry on supplies of cobalt.

Dr. Gilbert

Cobalt is used in the production of high temperature components of aero-engines.

Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what he proposes to do to ensure adequate supplies of cobalt (a) to the United Kingdom and (b) to NATO.

Dr. Gilbert

The maintenance of supplies of raw materials is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry. The Ministry of Defence is in close touch with the Department of Trade and the Department of Industry about the defence aspects of the supply of cobalt in current circumstances.