Record Steel Output; But Not Of Coal

Chronicle (Levin), 13 February 1948, Page 5

Record Steel Output; But Not Of Coal

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Received Thursday, 7.0 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 12. British steel production during January established an all-time reeord and was at the annual rate of 14,589,000 ingot tons. This is over 500,000 tons Ln exeess of tlie industry's target i'oi 1:)48, laid down in the Government White paper. Although Januarv's output is regarded as highlv satisfactory, trade representatives point out that it cannot be mainta'uied unless. suppiies ot' steel svrap improve. Energetie efforls are ueing made to increase , suppiies oi scrtip metal both from Britain and outside sources. Latost eoal output figures, however are less encouragixig. Last week i>roducition was 4,05g,7U0 tons which is the lowest this year and below the average weekly rate necessary to reach this year's c-oal target of 211,000,000 tons. rliis is attributed to . inci)easing voluntary absenteeism particularly on haiur day niaruiiigs. This' has been so prevalenf iii . Yorkshire and Lancasliirc that the Coal Board is considering discondnuing Baturday Avork. In the no rtlieas te rn * dis t ric t; on.the other' hand, where the nien. yoted to work an extra haif hour1 m each shift in lieti ot fcJaturday work, • pfoduction figures are iuij--Feasing. The present naturdax work agreement expires in April.