§ 1. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what further consultations he has had with the British Steel Corporation in the light of the new public spending criteria.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Peter Thomas)I maintain close contact with the corporation on all aspects of its work in Wales.
§ Mr. JonesWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman make new and urgent representations on behalf of continued steel-making at Shotton? Will he, for instance, visit the works?
§ Mr. ThomasAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government have carried out a thorough examination of the British Steel Corporation's development proposals and were satisfied that they offered the best means of securing the future for the steel industry. That remains the position.
§ Mr. Roy HughesDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that, although the Government were satisfied regarding tube production capacity and therefore closed the Newport works, there is now a tube shortage? Perhaps the judgment of the corporation ought to be considered by the Government.
§ Mr. ThomasThe British Steel Corporation's strategy went into great detail and it was considered that for the long-term future of the steel industry it was the proper strategy.