HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 c635
36. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to visit the British Steel Corporation's Shotton works to discuss any proposed extensions and investment.

Mr. Peter Thomas:

I have no immediate plans to visit Shotton.

Mr. Jones:

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that there is doubt and confusion about the future of this steel town in Flintshire? Will he please make every effort to extract from the Government some decision about the future of the Shotton steel works? Finally, does not the Minister agree that entry into the Common Market will make more difficult the development and expansion of any Welsh steel town?

Mr. Thomas:

I disagree with the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question, and I am sorry to hear him say that there is doubt and confusion in the Shotton area. The modernisation and expansion schemes being undertaken by the British Steel Corporation at Shotton give some indication of the Corporation's confidence in the immediate future of these works.