§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) from information available to him from international sources, what is his estimate of the likely demand for bulk steel in the world, in Europe, and in the United Kingdom, respectively, during the current year, in 1975, 1980, and 1985 and beyond, and his estimate of the productive capacity, 76W and the location of that capacity, required to meet this demand, and whether these estimates are being considered in the review which is now being carried out with the British Steel Corporation;
(2) what is the estimate of the tonnage of bulk steels which will be manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1975, 1980, 1985 and beyond, which he is using as the basis for his long-term review with the British Steel Corporation.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Review is examining a number of alternative levels of steel capacity and no decision will be taken until this extensive work is completed, having regard to all relevant factors.
§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has now had with the British Steel Corporation and the steel companies within the European Steel Community, with a view to setting up one or more competing international steel companies within a larger European Community.
§ Mr. RidleyNo such discussions have taken place.
§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of Stale for Trade and Industry what discussions have taken place with the Commission in Luxembourg and Brussels about the size of the European steel industry, including the British steel industry, and the maximum capacity of individual companies and individual steel plants, both recently and since the European Coal and Steel Community was first established.
§ Mr. RidleyNo such discussions have taken place.