§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many shipping masters are employed by the Department; and what have been the totals for the last five years broken down into districts.
§ Mr. OnslowThe number of mercantile marine superintendents, often referred to as shipping masters, employed by the Department is 55. The further information requested is given in the following table:
the European Commission at Brussels regarding infrastructure loans that can be made from ECSC funds; what are the detailed criteria for such loans; what is the current state of negotiations; what are the implications for the Shotton area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantLoans are available under Article 56 of the ECSC Treaty towards projects which will provide employment for redundant coal or steel workers. Such loans are mainly for industrial projects and we are encouraging firms to apply for these loans for projects in appropriate areas, including Shotton.
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§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is taking in Wales for promotional work concerning the replacement of lost job opportunities consequent upon the rundown of the steel industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am bringing to the attention of any industrialist with a suitable project the opportunities available in these areas.
§ Mr. Gurdenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for the reorganisation of the nationalised steel industry in view of its failure to supply sections and sizes of steel to industry.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe British Steel Corporation's 10-year development strategy published last February (Cmnd. 5226) is designed to meet British industry's requirements for steel, as regards both quantity and quality. The present shortage is a worldwide problem caused by the very rapid cyclical growth in demand and is not a reason for changing the corporation's organisation or development plans.