Strip Mill Capacity (Hansard, 25 May 1965)

§ 18. Mr. Sheldon
asked the Minister of Power what are his plans for the extension of steel strip mill capacity; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Frederick Lee
The Iron and Steel Board informs me that strip mill capacity is at present adequate but that some small addition, of the order of 250,000 tons, may be required by about 1970. The Board is considering how this should be provided.

§ Mr. Sheldon
Is my right hon. Friend aware that the economies to be obtained from the integration of steel work capacity is one of the main arguments for nationalisation of the industry, and that this can largely come about through the concentration of productive resources? Will he make sure that, when the expansion of steel strip mill capacity is made, the principles of such concentration are followed?

§ Mr. Lee
That is my intention.

§ Mr. Ridley
Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the political sword of Damocles which is hanging over this industry will not prevent the increase in strip capacity from being provided?

§ Mr. Lee
No matter what attitude one takes to the industry, I do not think that anybody can say that they have not gone ahead with their programme as planned. We made it abundantly clear months ago that any such development would be taken very much into account.