§ 37. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he is now able to make an announcement on future investment in the steel industry; and to what extent Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community will assist or hamper such future investment;
(2) whether he is now able to make a statement on the Government's proposals 251W for the long-term development in the steel industry; what is the proposed production figure by 1980 as compared with the present output; and to what extent this policy has been or will be discussed with the European Coal and Steel Community;
(3) to what extent the Government's decision to cut back in long-term development in the steel industry from 40 million tons a year in 1980 to 35 million tons or less is due to arrangements or discussions entered into with the European Coal and Steel Community; whether, on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community Great Britain will be able to plan output and production of steel without reference to or control by the Community; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Davies:My hon. Friend the Minister for Industry will be making a statement about the BSC's development plans after Question Time. The review has not been discussed with the Communities. After accession, steel producers will have to notify investment proposals to the Commission, which may give a reasoned opinion on them; the opinions are advisory and are not binding on enterprises and there is no power to prevent investment. I have no reason to believe steel investment will be adversely affected by entry.
§ 52. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement regarding future participation by private enterprise in the steel industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. Tom Boardman:There are no proposals from the steel industry before me: but as my right hon. Friend has informed the House we do not intend to use our powers relating to private sector steel investment in any restrictive way, whether in Scotland or elsewhere.—[Vol. 816, c. 247–58.]
§ 57. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement on the future investment programme of the steel industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. Tom Boardman:I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 3rd May.—[Vol. 836, c. 157.]