§ 11. Mr. Cashasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the prospects for exports of semifinished steel products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonUnited Kingdom steel producers export semi-finished products to many countries, and prospects in most of them remain broadly unchanged. However, I am pleased to say that exports to the United States should increase substantially under the British Steel Corporation's contract with the Tuscaloosa Steel Corporation of Alabama.
§ Mr. CashDoes my hon. Friend accept that, arising out of the minutes that have just been placed in the Library of a meeting with Sir Raymond Lygo, it is a matter of first importance, as my right and learned Friend the Secretary of State is reported as having said, to ensure that in relations with the United States, especially when dealing with semi-finished steel products, we avoid anti-British protection sentiments in the United States of America?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs I said in reply to an earlier question, when I think my hon. Friend was in his place, the negotiations on the deal with the United States Government over the Tuscaloosa Steel Corporation were extremely difficult. As my hon. Friend is aware, there is a protectionist wave that is evident throughout the United States. All such negotiations have to be handled carefully. Anti-American sentiments can endanger them.