HC Deb 17 January 1972 vol 829 c4
3. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is now able to make a statement on the second report of the Joint Steering Group on the Steel Industry.

21. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce the results of the review of long-term investment in the steel industry.

Mr. John Davies

I have nothing to add to the Minister for Industry's statement on 16th December.

Mr. Duffy

Is the Secretary of State aware that his reply will cause grave concern to full-time trade union officers in the Sheffield district, because they are being constantly frustrated in their attempts to forecast the investment intentions and therefore employment prospects in the special steels division? Does he not think that their frustration will go wider throughout industry generally, and that an early statement will help confidence?

Mr. Davies

On the whole, I should have thought that recent developments satisfied a considerable number of uncertainties in the special steels division. The problems which are more the concern of the Joint Steering Group relate to major questions of bulk steel making.

Mr. Lane

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that in the light of the review it is his intention to set the steel industry on a steady course of modernisation and expansion so as to maintain Britain's traditional rôle as a leading steel-maker?

Mr. Davies

As my hon. Friend knows, nothing is nearer to my heart than to see our steel industry develop as a very important part of the industrial equipment of this country.