HC Deb 01 December 1975 vol 901 cc1232-3
6. Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will make a statement on the Shotton steelworks.

Mr. Kaufman

As I told the hon. Member for Flint, West (Sir A. Meyer) on 24th November, an announcement about Shotton steelworks will be made as soon as possible, but the problem deserves—and is receiving—very careful study.

Mr. Morrison

Will the Minister say when "as soon as possible" will be? Is he aware that the continuing uncertainty is having a more than demoralising effect on all those who work at Shotton? Is he also aware that despite these difficulties industrial relations at Shotton have remained exceptionally good over the period?

Mr. Kaufman

I am certainly aware that an answer is necessary, because the uncertainty is obviously not helpful to morale in the industry. At the same time, I think that the hon. Gentleman will agree that it is better for us to consider this matter with the care and in the detail that it deserves, rather than to rush forward a decision that might be liked less than the uncertainty.

Mr. Tinn

When considering any action to assist the Shotton steelworks or any other threatened steelworks, will my hon. Friend rule out any measures that would prejudice the fullest development at Redcar, the third stage of which is essential to the integrated scheme which itself is essential to a modernised steel industry in this country?

Mr. Kaufman

My hon. Friend has made clear, more aptly than I could, the many considerations that need to be taken into account. This is a multi-faceted problem. I assure my hon. Friend that the Redcar aspect is being taken into account, along with the many other aspects.

Sir A. Meyer

In view of the situation disclosed by the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State in his reply to an earlier Question, should not the consideration being given to this matter by the Government extend beyond the question of which plant is to remain and which is to shut, to reconsidering the whole strategy of concentrating on five major producers, one of which has a bad employment record?

Mr. Kaufman

The hon. Gentleman has been putting points such as this in discussing matters which are of great concern to his constituents. The kind of considerations that he asks us to take into account are considerations which would make our decision further off rather than nearer. If he is ready to accept that, we shall accept what he says.