§ 11. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of European Community negotiations on steel production quotas with reference to both public and private sectors.
§ Mr. ParkinsonI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, North (Mr. Lawler) on 23 June.
§ Mr. MoateWill my right hon. Friend confirm that he will not allow any new quota arrangements that force further cuts on British steel production? Will he also confirm that he agrees with the view of the European Commission that special consideration should be given to the small and medium-sized, unsubsidised steel producers of Europe?
§ Mr. ParkinsonOne matter that I pressed vigorously the other day was the need for more flexibility, and especially the need for flexibility in the interests of companies such as Sheerness Steel in my hon. Friend's constituency, where there is demand but an insufficient quota. We are encouraging the British Steel Corporation to make available spare quota to companies such as Sheerness Steel, and we shall continue to do so.