§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he will now take to secure orders for the special steel industry in Sheffield, and the country as a whole, by taking action against dumping from Sweden, Austria, Spain, and Japan; and what discussions he and the industry is having with Commissioner Davignon about the present situation.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldAction against dumping is a matter for the Secretary of State for Trade. However, our Departments keep in close touch, and the hon. Member will know that a provisional charge is already in force in one case, a formal investigation is under way in another, and several informal investigations are in hand. This is in addition to action being taken on ordinary steels. My hon. Friend the Minister of State discussed with Commissioner Davignon on 21st March the state of the steel industry and the European Commission's ideas for countering the current recession. The industry was represented in the ECSC Consultative Committee on 17th March when Commissioner Davignon outlined his proposals.
§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Industry what are now the stocks of imported bulk steel, stainless steels, tool steels, and alloy steel, respectively, and in total; what has been the level in the amount of sales to British 356W Industry and re-export this year; and how the position compares with 12 months ago, and each of the previous five years.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI regret that this information is not available.