HC Deb 17 July 1972 vol 841 cc3-4
1. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the Garnock Valley (Action for Industry Committee) on the future of the Scottish steel industry; and what reply he has sent.

The Minister for Industry (Mr. Tom Boardman)

The Committee wrote last February. The reply said that the British Steel Corporation was studying the future pattern of Scottish steel making; that major investment decisions would follow the report of the Joint Steering Group; and that the Government would take account of employment implications in considering the BSC's proposals.

Mr. Lambie

Is the Minister aware that just over a week ago more than 5,000 people from the Garnock Valley took part in the largest-ever post-war demonstration in Ayrshire protesting against the British Steel Corporation's decision to close down the Garnock Valley steelworks, which employs 54 per cent, of the male population in the valley, and calling for Government action to direct industry into the valley before any redundancies are declared and pledging support for the STUC's campaign for a green field integrated steel mill at Hunterston? As the hon. Gentleman knows, these questions will not be resolved until we get the detailed plans of the Corporation and I should like the Minister to tell the House what action he has taken to press the Corporation for a quicker decision in these matters.

Mr. Boardman

I am aware of what was said at the meeting which the hon. Gentleman mentioned. A decision about the future of an individual works is a matter for the Corporation. I understand that it has said that the future of Garnock Valley is under active consideration, but no decisions have yet been taken.

As the hon. Gentleman will realise, the Corporation has made it clear that it is alive to its social responsibilities in that area and it is pressing ahead with its work on the strategic options.