§ 23. Mr. R. W. Elliottasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to assist the British consortium to finalise the contract for new works and extensions to the Durgapur Steelworks in India, in the face of competition from Japan.
§ Mr. GreenThe Government have made India a loan of £22 million to enable British firms to carry out the extension of the existing British-built steelworks at Durgapur. My hon. Friend may, however, be referring to the proposed alloy steel plant, which will also be located in Durgapur and for which British and Japanese firms are in competition.
§ Mr. ElliottIn thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that many of the British firms who are members of the consortium have, by tendering successfully, brought a great deal of employment to the northern part of the country? Will he do his best in representations to his right hon. Friends to ensure that we get at least reasonable comparable credit facilities?
§ Mr. GreenI am willing to give my hon. Friend the assurance that that sort of consideration is certainly given.