Mr. Eddie Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what stocks of steel scrap are held by the British Steel Corporation; and if he will give a general direction to the corporation to transfer suitable qualities, so as to ensure maximum steel production during the present energy crisis.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe British Steel Corporation held about 530,000 tonnes of steelmaking scrap in the middle of January which was less than half the level the corporation would regard as normal. The corporation is responsible for operational matters, but I am advised that transfers of scrap and diversions of deliveries of scrap are already being made by the corporation to maximise steel production under all the current restraints.