§ 84. Mr. P. Robertsasked the Minister of Supply what special allocation of steel he has authorised to contractors of capital equipment for supply to the National Coal Board, or for the supply of steel direct to the National Coal Board or to the National Coal Board suppliers.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThere have been no special allocations to contractors, but I have made arrangements designed to ensure that the National Coal Board's reasonable current needs of steel are met.
§ 90. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the difficulty in obtaining steel experienced by Messrs. Joseph Bradbury, of Braintree, and other firms manufacturing transport service equipment and other goods of high export value; and what steps he is taking to assist Messrs. Bradbury to get the relatively small quantity of steel needed to enable them to fulfil their contract with his Department for equipment essential in the construction of Bailey bridges, and to complete other important work outstanding.
105W
§ Mr. G. R. StraussYes. I know that this firm, in common with many other manufacturers, have had difficulty in obtaining all the steel they need for their production. We invited the firm to let us know if they required help on steel supplies to fulfil their contract for Bailey bridge equipment, but they have not yet done so.
§ 93. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Supply whether he now has any statement to make about the allocation of steel to essential users.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement on this subject which will be made later this week.