HC Deb 09 November 1970 vol 806 c14
9. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the reclamation industry.

Mr. Ridley

We recognise the important part which the reclamation industry has to play in recovering raw materials for industry. Our aim is to create conditions which will help this and other industries to operate competitively and efficiently.

Mr. Blaker

Is my hon. Friend aware that that statement will be welcome to the industry? Is he aware also that, in addition to helping in the battle against pollution, the industry saves £1,000 million a year in imports? Will my hon. Friend confirm that the new Government's policy is to cease the discrimination against the industry which the former Government practised?

Mr. Ridley

I agree with what my hon. Friend says and I can assure him that we have moved some way already, by the changes in investment incentives, towards abolishing discrimination. There will be further progress in the matter of the selective employment tax when my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gets round to dealing with that, too.

Mr. Darling

When do the Government intend to remove the controls on the export of steel work scrap and thus provide a free market for the scrap producers?

Mr. Ridley

This matter is being studied at present.