§ 1. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the British Steel Corporation over the planning aspects of a possible expansion of the steel works at Shotton.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Peter Thomas)Senior officials of my Department had discussions in September and November, 1970, with representatives of the British Steel Corporation about their future land requirements for possible development of the steelworks.
§ Mr. Tilney:Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that cheap steel at Shotton would be of immense benefit for engineering industries not only in the north-west but in Yorkshire and the Midlands as well?
§ Mr. Thomas:I am certainly aware of the benefits which would arise from there being a good steel undertaking at Shotton.
§ Mr. Barry Jones:Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman not agree that the signs are now that Wales will not receive a large integrated steel works on a greenfield site? Could he tell us what special efforts he is making to protect the future of the steel industry in Wales?
§ Mr. Thomas:The Question relates to Shotton, and I am wholly unaware of what the hen. Gentleman has suggested. I would, naturally, be very glad to see a major expansion at Shotton, or elsewhere in Wales.