asked the Minister of Supply is he aware that although jute mills are being pressed to increase production for both the home market and export, the allocation of steel indispensable for the manufacture of card pins is being reduced; and when the amount of steel which is essential to enable the Government requests to be carried out will be available.

The difficulty in supplies of card pins does not arise from a reduced allocation of steel, but from the greatly increased demands for wire of all kinds. Further supplies are being made available by diverting more steel to wire production and by imports, and particular attention is being given to meeting the specialised needs of the card pin producers.

Does not the Minister think it utterly ridiculous to push people for greater production for export and not give them the material with which to do it?

We hope that they will get the material with which to carry out their export programme.

We cannot do this work on hopes. We need the material.

There is an all-round shortage of steel, and, particularly, the steel required for this work.

Cannot the Minister get more steel from Belgium for wire-making, as this is believed to be very suitable?

No, Sir, I am afraid not.