HC Deb 20 March 1972 vol 833 cc1072-3
29. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to announce the outcome of the steel industry review.

50. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has now completed his study of the steering group's report on investment in the steel industry; and if he will now make a statement.

Mr. John Davies

I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Duffy

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that reply most unsatisfactory? Over the weekend there has been a statement about the pricing policy of the corporation and the Budget Statement is impending. The right hon. Gentleman will be speaking in the debate on regional policy, which is under scrutiny. Does he not think that these developments and the concern being expressed in other quarters about industry's capacity and competitiveness warrant a statement?

Mr. Davies

I certainly hope that a statement will be made very shortly. This industry is, as the hon. Gentleman knows, of such absolutely primary importance to the rest of industry that it requires the most careful and thorough analysis before a decision is taken.

Mr. Taylor

Does the welcome statement that a decision will be made shortly mean that we will soon have a decision on the proposed development of a major steelworks at Hunterston on Clydeside? As most of Scottish industry regards this as crucial, may we have a decision on this at the same time?

Mr. Davies

I said that a statement would be made shortly and it would be wise for my hon. Friend to wait for that.

Mr. Eddie Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that "shortly" is not good enough? Is he aware that he has been saying that for the last three months? A statement was promised before Christmas; we are now approaching Easter. Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm today that when his statement appears it will contain something of substance and deal with the criteria he laid down for the joint steering committee and that it will be a comprehensive statement dealing with the British Steel Corporation over the next 10 years?

Mr. Davies

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the statement, when it comes, will be substantial.

Sir R. Cary

May I ask whether the statement will include something about the future of the Irlam steelworks?

Mr. Davies

The future of any individual works is a matter for the corporation, not for me. The purpose of the statement will be to deal with the very deep review which has been taking place into the future of the industry as a whole.

Mr. Eadie

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people in the steel industry are getting fed up with the Government's policy? Is he further aware that whenever Ministers go anywhere they promise that the new steel complex might go there? Will he clarify this and stop this deception of the people?

Mr. Davies

My right hon. and hon. Friends in the Department and myself have certainly given no promises or tips that any particular complex will go anywhere. This is a matter for the corporation to make recommendations about and is not for the Government.