HC Deb 14 July 1975 vol 895 cc1048-9
18. Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will now make a statement on his decision on the future of the steel-making process at Shotton.

Mr. Varley

I hope to be in a position to do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Morrison

Will the Secretary of State please tell us when he will make a statement on the steel-making process at Shotton? Is he aware that the workers who are involved are seriously worried about their future?

Mr. Varley

Of course, I know that people are desperately anxious about their jobs in the steel industry, particularly at Shotton, but we have to have a study of this matter and I hope to be able to make a statement about Shotton and other aspects of the steel industry before the House goes into recess.

Mr. Loyden

I know that the Secretary of State is aware of the urgency of this problem. He will know that in Merseyside unemployment is at high level and that uncertainty about Shotton, particularly in relation to the Birkenhead docks, concerns all Merseyside. I appeal to him to deal with this matter as urgently as possible so that the concern and doubt of people in that area may be removed.

Mr. Varley

I know that the question of Shotton's future is of great concern to Merseyside because so many people who live in Merseyside work at Shotton. I shall have my hon. Friend's comments very much in mind considering this matter.