HC Deb 14 February 1963 vol 671 cc227-9W
Mr. Wainwright

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, during the discussions between the Iron and Steel Holding and Realisation Agency, and Iron and Steel Investment Limited, over the sale to the latter company of the nationalised plant of John Baker and Bessemer Limited, an indication was

jointly with the Secretary of State for Scotland and/or the Secretary of State for the Home Department or the Treasury. Details are set out below:

given of the period for which this plant would continue in operation.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The purchasers indicated at the time of the sale of the company that they had no present intention of taking any steps that would result in an early closure of this company.

Mr. Wainwright

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the annual profits made by John Baker and Bessemer Company Limited of Swinton, near Rotherham for the years 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961 and for 1962, respectively.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Profits after depreciation but before taxation, as shown in the company's audited accounts, have been as follows:

£
52 weeks to 27th September, 1958 505.550
53 weeks to 3rd October, 1959 125,705
52 weeks to 1st October 1960 150,003
52 weeks to 30th September, 1961 238,479
52 weeks to 29th September, 1962* 150,000
* Provisional, unaudited.