asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is yet in a position to make a statement about the allocation of steel to the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry for the next quarter.

The allocation of steel for the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industries for period II is approximately at the same level as for period I.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to assist this industry, because there is some apprehension in shipping circles about the future trend of freight rates, and this may seriously affect the industry?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I realise the difficulties and, as I told him a fortnight ago, I am doing all I possibly can to help.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the arrival of American supplies will soon result in an increase in the steel allocation?

I cannot give a definite answer on that point. I hope it will be better, but I cannot make a definite statement now.