HC Deb 16 July 1964 vol 698 cc269-70W
Mr. J. Morris

asked the Minister of Power whether the Steel Board has undertaken the first of the regular triennial reviews of the extent of home ore reserves, as recommended by its special committee, and with what result.

Mr. Peyton

Yes. The results are now before the Board's special committee and will be published in due course.

Mr. J. Morris

asked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the low costs of producing home iron ore, the fact that it is inadequately used, and the lack of progress towards the achievement of a consumption of 32 million tons in 1970 expected by the Home Ore Committee and accepted by the Steel Board, he will have a committee set up to assess the relative costs of using home and foreign iron ore, respectively, in the light of past experience and future prospects.

Mr. Peyton

The Iron and Steel Board reconvened its special committee on home ore in May 1964 to review its previous conclusions and recommendations. I understand that the committee is studying the particular question suggested by the hon. Member.