Cardiff Task Force

HC Deb 26 February 1973 vol 851 cc1048-9

14. Mr. Michael Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the progress made by the Cardiff task force.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The task force has already met twice and has arranged a full programme of further meetings.

Mr. Roberts

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the appreciation of the prompt actions of the task force is in marked contrast to the anger and dismay felt at the failure of the British Steel Corporation to provide the figures and statistics on which the proposals for the closure of East Moors are based? Does he consider that the timetable for closure proposed by BSC is adequate to meet the requirements of the task force to enable it to complete its task?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I am certainly aware, because I attended a meeting, of the concern in Cardiff over the proposed timing of the closure. I know that the city council considers seven years to be a minimum. It will certainly be open to the task force to tell me whether it thinks any modification of the timing would be of material assistance to it in its work.

Mr. George Thomas

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give attention to the reluctance of the British Steel Corporation to provide the Cardiff action committee with the information promised personally by Lord Melchett?

Mr. Peter Thomas

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the concern expressed in Cardiff that the figures have not yet been made available. I know that BSC has said that it is willing to open its books.