HC Deb 28 February 1967 vol 742 c251
21. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Technology when he will make a decision on the application of the Millom Hematite Ore and Iron Company Limited for financial assistance from him for making a spray steelmaking and continuous casting plant.

Mr. Dell

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to reach a decision in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power quite soon.

Mr. Ridley

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the decision will have to be made on the merits of the case in relation to the Millom company being situated in a development area, and will he allow no prejudice to enter into his decision-making because of the view of the National Steel Corporation that the project should not go ahead?

Mr. Dell

This proposal has to be considered from many points of view, some of which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. All will be taken into account.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Will the Ministry of Technology make it a prime consideration to see that this exciting new advance in the manufacture of steel is not yet another invention invented in this country and developed overseas?

Mr. Dell

We are very well aware of the exciting technological possibilities here.