HC Deb 10 November 1969 vol 791 cc26-7
30. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give a general direction with a view to improving steel deliveries to the constructional steel contractors, builders and similar enterprises and steel stock holders, in view of representations expressed in recent months by steel users and merchants with consequential resort to foreign steel.

Mr. Alan Williams

The Corporation has produced record amounts of constructional steels and imports have fallen; further increases in output depend on improving capacity rather than issuing directions.

Sir G. Nabarro

Why is it that Ministers in this House continue to whitewash the Corporation whereas all consumers of constructional steel and every other kind of steel are complaining about lengthening deliveries and poor service? Why is it that steel imports continue to rise if the Steel Corporation is so utterly efficient, as Ministers wrongly allege?

Mr. Williams

In view of the strength of feeling which the hon. Gentleman says exists in the country, I am surprised to find that we have had fewer than 12 complaints on this matter. Also, it is difficult to see how the hon. Gentleman can reconcile some of the other points which he has made with the fact that this year imports have fallen by over 25 per cent. and that the British Steel Corporation's output has reached record levels, being 180,000 tons higher than last year. Far from whitewashing the Corporation, it is the private sector which for the last 21 years has not expanded its output of these steels at all.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Would my hon Friend agree that the chief reason why we have to import steel is that for 10 to 15 years the private enterprise steel industry did not plan for sufficient capacity?

Mr. Williams

In addition to my hon. Friend's point, it is important to bear in mind that the steel industry exports twice as much, in terms of value, as it imports. Last year's favourable balance of payments on steel was £133 million.

Sir J. Eden

Could the hon. Gentleman inform the House about the special position of nickel-bearing steel and what measures are being taken to help in the present crisis?

Mr. Williams

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman realises that this matter is out of the Government's control, being a problem arising in another country. Many consumers may find, if they contact the Corporation, that there are available substitutes which they have never considered in the past.