§ Mr. Kenenth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps the European Commission has taken under Article 46 of the European Coal and Steel Community Treaty to lay down the general objectives for modernisation and long-term planning of steel manufacture: what effects these steps have had on Her 62W Majesty's Government's policy to the steel industry and European financing of investment in the British steel industry; how far Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the steel industry is compatible with the Commission's objectives; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe Commission is revising its steel market forecasts for the 1980s before making specific proposals about modernisation and long-term planning. The latter are issues in the present discussions between the Government, the British Steel Corporation and the TUC Steel Committee.