asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the acute shortage of wire rope; that wire drawers are in great difficulties for lack of wire rods; if he is aware that insufficient supplies of colliery ropes are hindering the National Coal Board in its production of coal; and what action he proposes to take.

Production is 20 per cent. more than in 1938, but is still insufficient to meet the greatly increased demands. Expansion of production is dependent on an increase in the supplies of steel, particularly in imported semi-finished material. We are doing all we can to improve the position, and the needs of collieries have been given special priority.

If the production of steel is dependent on coal, and the supply of coal is dependent on getting these ropes, will the Minister say what he intends to do about it?

In view of the tact that Germany was a fairly good source of supply before the war for this type of wire, would my right hon. Friend's Department, in collaboration with other Departments, see that we get a fair share of the supplies which may be available in Germany now?

We are doing all we can to get what there is.