§ Mr. F. Willeyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what quantities of steel the Wear shipbuilding yards have been authorised to acquire for the period ending 31st March; and what quantities of steel were acquired by these yards during the preceding periods.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasI regret that I cannot disclose details of steel allocations.
§ Mr. Benceasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will now increase the steel allocation to the shipbuilding and repairing yards on the Clyde.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasNo. I am satisfied that the proportion of steel made available to shipbuilders and repairers on the Clyde is a fair one in relation to the total supplies available nationally for those industries. As and when supplies improve, I hope that the Clyde shipbuilders and repairers will benefit in common with those in other areas.