§ Mr. Cantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the proposed cuts in capital expenditure in the nationalised industries other than fuel and power will involve a modification in the strategic plan for the British steel industry and a reduction in the planned figure of £3,000 million for its investment programme.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe effect of the reduction in capital expenditure in 1974–75 is still being examined by the British Steel Corporation. I understand that while494W certain smaller schemes may be deferred, the major strategic plans of the corporation will not be affected.
§ Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the approximate value of steel exported during the first six months of 1973, 1972 and 1971, respectively, from the United Kingdom; and what were the comparable figures for export from each of the other countries of the European Community.
§ Mr. Emery,pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th December 1973; Vol. 866, c. 328], gave the following information:
Figures for the United Kingdom from both BSC and private steel companies are as follows:
First six months 1971 1972 1973 182.5 181.6 209.5 127.8 117.1 128.0 (BSC) The value of exports of steel from other members of the European Community for parts of years is not readily available. The table below gives the value of exports of iron and steel products (Division 67 of SITC) from each country of the European Community in 1971 and 1972 converted to pounds sterling.
£m 1971 1972 United Kingdom 402.8 377.0 France 627.1 710.3 Germany 1,123.2 1,201.2 Italy 269.4 326.8 Netherlands 243.5 248.4 Belgium and Luxembourg 777.8 457.5 Denmark 18.6 20.1 Ireland 1.2 3.0