HC Deb 12 July 1948 vol 453 c66W
35 and 36. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Minister of Supply (1) if he is aware that the development of the television services in this country is being seriously affected by the shortage of steel for the production of transmission and ancillary equipment; and, in view of the necessity of an early expansion of the industry and its ultimate effect on the export market, if he will give consideration to the allocation of a greater quantity of steel for this purpose;

(2) if he is aware that as a result of the extension of the television service to the Birmingham area in the near future, there will be an increased demand for television receivers; and, in view of the existing shortage of these receivers for reception in the London area, if he will give consideration to the allocation of a larger quantity of steel to the industry for this purpose.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Manufacturers of television transmitting equipment have been allocated all the materials they need at present. The production of receivers is limited, not by a lack of steel, but by a shortage of cathode ray tubes, due to manufacturing difficulties, which are being gradually overcome.