§ 12. Mr. Palmerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the total value of public investment through the Iron and Steel Holding and Realisation Agency in the steel industry, including subsidiary companies, part holdings in companies now sold, and loans made or contracted to be made.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)The total book value of the Agency's investments, including loans contracted to be made, is £223.5 million.
§ Mr. PalmerDoes not that interesting Answer indicate just how dependent the British steel industry still is on public support and investment?
§ Mr. MaudlingMany deductions could be drawn from that Answer, but I am not sure that I will accept that one.