§ 24. Mr. Costainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue instructions to his Department to ensure that any steel structures which are designed or approved by them are designed or approved by it are designed to incorporate British Steel sections.
§ Mr. FreesonNo, Sir. This would be contrary to the Treaty of Rome and would generally invite retaliation against British Steel, which exports over five times as much steel sections as are imported. However, steel structures designed or approved by my Department already incorporate steel of British origin to a very substantial extent.
§ Mr. CostainI am grateful for that answer. Is the Minister able to give the percentage of British steel involved? Is he aware that in certain buildings that are being erected, designed by his Department, British steel cannot be used? That surely cannot be in the interests of the nation.
§ Mr. FreesonI cannot quote the figures offhand, but I shall check the situation. If I can establish such detailed information, I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.