asked the Minister of Supply whether the plans submitted by the British Iron and Steel Federation and the Joint Iron Council for increased production of crude steel and foundry iron have been approved, and whether he will make a statement.

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the major schemes, already finally approved, which will contribute to the production of crude steel and foundry iron. Other schemes are still under consideration, but I can give no estimate of when approval will be given.

Following is the list:

asked the Minister of Supply, how many schemes for the development of the industry have been examined and passed by the Iron and Steel Board; how many are at present under examination; how many are awaiting examination; and how many are expected to be submitted to the Board during the rest of the year.

Five hundred and twenty-six schemes have been examined and passed by the Iron and Steel Board, 69 are under examination, and there is no scheme awaiting examination. It is expected that nine major schemes will be submitted during the rest of 1948, but the number of minor schemes cannot be estimated.

As no more schemes are awaiting examination, can the Minister say why it has proved necessary to increase the staff of the Iron and Steel Board?

That is an entirely different question. If the hon. Gentleman will put it down I will answer it. The work of the Iron and Steel Board goes far beyond the work indicated here.