§ 41. Mr. Oramasked the Minister of Power what parts of the Iron and Steel Act, 1953 he is planning to repeal in order that the United Kingdom can join the European Coal and Steel Community.
§ Mr. WoodThe negotiations about joining the Community are still going on, but it has already been recognised that the powers to control the prices of Treaty of Paris products under Sections 8 and 10 and to refuse to allow a development proposal under Sections 6 and 29 of the Iron and Steel Act, 1953, are incompatible with the Treaty of Paris and would have to be amended in any legislation for accession to the Treaty.
§ Mr. OramDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that these powers, which have been agreed as incompatible with the Treaty of Paris, are absolutely basic powers far any Government making any pretensions to a healthy economy in the country? Will he not, therefore, give the House an assurance that these powers will not be lightly surrendered?
§ Mr. WoodThe position is that these powers, whatever the hon. Member may think about them, are clearly incompatible with the Treaty of Paris. Therefore, if we intend to accede to the Treaty of Paris, it is quite clear that these powers, at present enjoyed by the Iron and Steel Board, must go.