HC Deb 30 March 1981 vol 2 cc9-10
10. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has had any recent discussions with officials of the British Steel Corporation concerning retraining courses for redundant Welsh steel workers.

Mr. Michael Roberts

The Welsh Office maintains close and regular contact with officials of the British Steel Corporation on all matters concerning the corporation's activities in Wales.

Mr. Hughes

Despite that close co-operation, does the Minister appreciate that there is considerable resentment among redundant steel workers at the delay in the payments they were promised after being made redundant and about the courses that have been made available, especially the welding course at Port Talbot which 60 men from Newport are attending? Will the hon. Gentleman promise to investigate these issues?

Mr. Roberts

As for the delay in the payment of redundancy terms, it was ever thus. When East Moors steel workers were made redundant, I received many complaints from them about delay. If the hon. Gentleman sends me details I shall ensure that the complaints are taken up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry. I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concern about the Midland welding school at Port Talbot. I understand that he has written to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, who is considering the matter. There is nothing further that I can add now.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Is my hon. Friend aware that, thanks partly to aid from the Coal and Steel Community, the provisions for retraining redundant steel workers are, on the whole, satisfactory? Is he further aware that it is the employees of the private steel firms who are now feeling the draught, who do not receive such generous redundancy payments?

Mr. Roberts

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for pointing that out. I was aware of it but I am not sure that every hon. Member is equally aware of the contribution of the Coal and Steel Community.

Mr. Barry Jones

Will the Minister consider the laggardly payments to hundreds of my constituents who were formerly steel workers? Is he aware that this delay is part of the general complaint that my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Hughes) outlined in his supplementary question? is the hon. Gentleman further aware that there have been delays in the payment of travelling expenses to redundant steel workers who are attending skill centres?

Mr. Roberts

I shall look into that. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will provide me with the necessary details.

Mr. Alec Jones

In the close contacts that the Minister suggests that he has with the corporation will he ensure that the corporation does not grant to an American mining company a contract worth £50 million over the next three years for further coal imports? When he is taking part in the discussions with the corporation, will he remind it that, as the National Coal Board buys British steel, the corporation should buy British coal?

Mr. Roberts

The main question relates to retraining courses for Welsh steel workers but I am happy to give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that I shall draw the attention of the British Steel Corporation to what he says.