§ 30. Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is yet able to confirm that a steel producing mini-plant will be established at Shelton.
§ Mr. GoldingWill the Minister tell us whether the British Steel Corporation has yet decided positively to build a mini steel plant? Can he tell us whether GKN has yet decided whether it will go ahead with a mini-plant of its own at Cardiff? Will he tell us when a decision on this question is to be expected?
§ Mr. BoardmanThe British Steel Corporation has said that it will be build- 28 ing a mini-plant in Scotland and it has named a number of possible sites for another possible mini-plant. No decision has yet been reached by GKN with regard to whether it will be building a mini-plant. Discussions are going on urgently with regard to that. With regard to the decision on timing, that is a matter for the corporation. It is aware of the need to make a decision as soon as it is possible to do so.
§ Sir R. CaryMay I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that Irlam is still available as a site?
§ Mr. BoardmanYes. My hon. Friend has constantly reminded me of that. We have it very much in mind, as I am sure the corporation has too.
§ Mr. EwingWill the Minister comment on the Government's attitude to the British Steel Corporation's announcement that it is now opting out of the manufacture of underwater pipes for the oil industry not only in Scotland but throughout the world? Is he aware that this business is thought to be worth something like £75 million to the corporation?
§ Mr. BoardmanThe hon. Member is quite incorrect. The corporation is making very great efforts to ensure getting maximum benefits from operations in the North Sea and to ensure that all possible manufacturing resources are deployed to this end.