Dairy Byre Fittings (Steel Tubing)

28.

Lady Grant
asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the shortage of steel tubing for dairy byre fittings; and if he will arrange a special immediate allocation of steel.

Mr. Wilmot
No, Sir; but I will have inquiries made if the hon. Member will be good enough to let me have details.

Lady Grant
Could the right hon. Gentleman state, in view of the vital importance of food production, whether the dairy farmers have any priority in obtaining steel tubing?

Mr. Wilmot
We would certainly do our utmost to see that such a demand was met.

Mr. Hobson
Are we to understand that my right hon. Friend is prepared to allocate steel tubing, which is very short at the moment and is required for essential industries, for the purpose indicated in the Question, when there are substitute materials for that purpose?

Mr. Wilmot
We would allocate it if advised by the Ministry of Agriculture that it was necessary for full production.

Sir Stanley Reed
Could the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether any of the essential steel tubing has been diverted to the weird rail contraption newly erected in front of the rearmost benches of the House?

Mr. Hector Hughes
Will the Minister say how much of this steel tubing is being allocated to the shipyards?

Mr. Wilmot
Not without notice, I am afraid.

Mr. George Hicks
How much is allocated to the back benches?