HC Deb 17 January 1972 vol 829 c22
29. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals for capital investment in the steel industry in Scotland have been put to him by the British Steel Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Davies

Of the £265 million—1971 survey prices—investment approved for 1972–73, about an eighth is in Scotland. Part is expenditure on projects such as Ravenscraig and Clydesdale already announced; the Corporation's intentions as regards possible other new projects within the general programme are for it to make public.

Mr. Taylor

Can my right hon. Friend say when the British Steel Corporation is likely to come to a decision regarding its plans for Hunterston and whether a major new steel works will be built there, and whether the Government are discussing the matter with the Corporation?

Mr. Davies

The matter is squarely in the hands of the British Steel Corporation at the moment in relation to the ore terminal, and I understand that the Corporation is urgently considering it with a view to an early decision. The major question of a large steel works depends in large degree on the Joint Steering Group's report, which I hope to receive at an early date.