§ 39. Mr. Palmerasked the Paymaster-General what report he has received, under Section 5 of the Iron and Steel Act, 1953, from the Iron and Steel Board in respect of the adequate development of the iron and steel industry.
§ Sir I. HorobinNone, Sir.
§ Mr. PalmerIs the Minister aware that it has been widely stated that the development of the steel industry is being held up because of the possibility of political change? Is that true or is it simply an exaggeration on the part of the directors of steel companies?
§ Sir I. HorobinIf the hon. Member wants the view of Her Majesty's Government, as far as I can express it, I should think that the possibility of political change, which is very unlikely, would be a handicap to any business. All I am saying in answer to this Question is 26 something more narrow; I am simply saying that we have not received any representation to the effect that the industry is unable to produce the fourth steel strip mill.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWould the Minister ask the industry to give instances of any case where it has been held up by this possibly difficult political situation?
§ Sir I. HorobinI very much doubt whether the increase of knowledge which we should obtain would be worth the waste of time involved in the Ministry or in the Steel Board.
§ 41. Mr. Palmerasked the Paymaster-General if he will use his powers under Section 16 (1) of the Iron and Steel Act, 1953, to request the Iron and Steel Board to include in its next annual report the results of its inquiry into trade practices in the iron and steel industry which stand in the way of the efficient, economic and adequate supply of iron and steel products.
§ Sir I. HorobinSuch a request is unnecessary. The Iron and Steel Board has been surveying all trade practices in the industry to see if there is anything standing in the way of the efficient, economic and adequate supply of iron and steel products. It intends to report to my noble Friend and then include an account of the inquiry in the next Annual Report.
§ Mr. PalmerIs the hon. Member aware that the Board has been about three years on the job? Does he not think it would be of great interest to the House if it got a move on?
§ Sir I. HorobinThe Iron and Steel Board has one or two other things to do, but I am sure that it will report as soon as possible. As soon as my noble Friend has the report, if any action is called for it will be taken.