§ 4. Mr. Willeyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a further statement on the supply of steel to the shipbuilding industry.
§ Mr. DigbyI am glad to say that deliveries of steel to the shipbuilding industry as a whole during the first quarter of this year were considerably greater than in the same period last year, though some firms are still having difficulty in obtaining what they require.
§ 8. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the continuing anxiety in shipbuilding circles about deliveries of steel and what action he has taken to prevent any consequent delays in the shipbuilding programme.
§ Mr. DigbyI am aware that there is still some anxiety about the supplies of steel for shipbuilders. As regards steps to help the shipbuilders, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) on 16th April. Discussions between my noble Friend and104W the President of the Board of Trade continue on the question of the shortage of angles and sections.