§ 40. Mr. Blakerasked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to overcome the present shortage of nickel; and if he will undertake to make a statement in the House on this matter at an early date.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyI have been asked to reply.
The nickel shortage is due to circumstances outside our control. Since July 287W supplies from the world's leading nickel producers in Canada have been seriously affected by industrial disputes. On 26th July we introduced controls on the export of nickel and certain nickel bearing materials from this country in order to conserve supplies for British industry. The major Canadian nickel company concerned operates an allocation scheme for British nickel users; we maintain close co-operation with them in the operation of this scheme. We are also in close touch with British industry about the best use of nickel in the present situation.