§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) to what extent the shortfall of steel production during the recent industrial dispute in the steel industry will affect steel for the production of armaments and the like used in the defence programme;
(2) whether he can give an assurance that the British Steel industry's steel production will be sufficient to cover both civilian and anticipated defence expenditure on the use of steel and steel-produced products.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe defence equipment programme has not been significantly affected by the recent steel strike. I am satisfied that in general the British steel industry has the capacity to meet present and future defence requirements.