HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 cc1161-2
4. Mr. Michael Shaw

asked the Minister of Power what study he has made of the specific benefits or advantages which will be enjoyed by consumers of heavy steel products through the fixing of prices for such products by the British Steel Corporation and the publicly-owned companies; and if he will take steps to make those benefits available to consumers of similar products of the privately-owned steel companies.

Mr. Marsh

I would refer the hon. Member to the Corporation's first report on organisation (Cmnd. 3362). I have no powers over the arrangements for the private sector.

Mr. Shaw

Since the British Steel Corporation is now doing exactly what the Restrictive Practices Court said the steel industry should not do, why should the advantages of fixing prices not be extended to the 10 per cent. of the industry still left in private hands?

Mr. Marsh

It is essential to have common pricing in an integrated corporation such as this. There is no price competition in the big United States steel companies which are of comparable size. The Corporation's report says that true price corn petition has never operated successfully in the iron and steel industry in this or any other country.