HC Deb 18 March 1969 vol 780 cc186-7
23. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Power what is the current level of steel production in 1968–69; how much steel continues to be imported in 1968–69; what imports reduction is planned; and whether he will make a statement on steel imports substitution.

Mr. Mason

The current rate of crude steel production is about 27½ million tons a year. Steel imports have been rising for some years and totalled 2.1 million tons in 1968, including material for hire-rolling and subsequent re-export. This upward trend is expected to be checked in 1969.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will the right hon. Gentleman now abandon his position of neutrality over the proposed increase in the price of steel by 9 per cent. to 10 per cent., the effect of which would be to militate against the use of home-produced steel and in favour of imported steel?

Mr. Mason

There is no question of neutrality. The matter is not before me but before the N.B.P.I.

Mr. Ogden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the motor car industry, for example, imports a large quantity of steel from Holland and other European countries which cannot be produced here at home? Will he make inquiries into why we cannot produce all the kinds of steel British industry requires?

Mr. Mason

When there is a great upsurge in demand, as in recent times, it is not possible for our steel industry to satisfy all domestic demand.

34. Mr. Tinn

asked the Minister of Power how many steelworkers on Teesside are working part time because of a shortage of steel.

Mr. Mason

I understand that the Chairman of the British Steel Corporation has now written to my hon. Friend about this.

Mr. Tinn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a very substantial number of workers affected in my constituency feel bitterly about working short time when the country is having to import steel? They put the responsibility fairly and squarely on the bad planning of the private industry, which they look to the British Steel Corporation speedily to rectify.

Mr. Mason

I am sorry that one or two plants should be suffering like this, but it depends upon their products, which may not be the type we are importing. But my hon. Friend is right in blaming the inheritance of the badly planned private steel industry. This will, in the short term, cause difficulty in a number of plants, but I hope that it will be quickly resolved.

Mr. Emery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when a Question is down for Answer we like to know what the Answer is, and that the fact that the Answer is in a private letter to an hon. Member is quite irrelevant at Question Time? Will the right hon. Gentleman now tell us how many steel workers on Tees-side are working part time because of the shortage?

Mr. Mason

The simple answer is that I do not know.