§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent his plans and proposals for a cutback in the output and production of the British steel industry as a result of arrangements with the European Coal and Steel Community on Great Britain's entry into the Common Market will reduce manpower in the steel industry in general and in Middlesbrough in particular.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanAs I told the hon. Member on 8th May there has been254W no such arrangement with the Community.—[Vol. 836, c. 915.]
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, dated 2nd May, regarding the problems of the Steel Industry on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community so far as pricing, distribution points, transport costs, regional policy, charges, the effects of the automobile industry, the shipbuilding industry in general and Harland and Wolff in particular are concerned; and whether he will make a statement on the matters raised therein.
§ Mr. EmeryThe answer to the first part of the Question is no. In answer to the second part I would refer the hon. Member to the reply of 4th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington (Mr. Cockeram).—[Vol. 836, c. 205–6.]
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on his discussions with the British Scrap Federation held on Monday, 15th May; and to what extent discussions ensued on the concern felt by the association at the adverse effects upon the control and loss of British exports on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanI have taken note of the Federation's representations on 15th May about ferrous scrap and these covered both short and long-term considerations; these and other relevant representations are being considered urgently. The Federation have stated that, whilst the home market will continue to be the main outlet for British scrap, entry into the EEC will provide greater market opportunities for British scrap merchants and processors.