§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will issue a general direction to the British Steel Corporation to make specific announcements concerning the future of individual British Steel Corporation plants, in the tight of the chairman's recent statements.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallMy right hon. Friend does not have the power to make a general direction of this sort.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallI will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he intends to revise his request to the British Steel Corporation to break even by April 1980.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallThe profit target for British Steel Corporation for 1980–81 remains as set out in my right hon. Friend's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) on 3 July 1979.—[Vol. 969, c.537.
§ Mr. Allen McKayasked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals he has received from the British Steel Corporation concerning a reduction of its workforce and plant capacity; and if he will give details of the proposals, plant by plant.
§ Mr. Michael Marshall[pursuant to his reply, 5 December 1979, c. 224]: The proposals are a matter for the Corporation, provided it keeps within the financial target and the cash limit my right hon. Friend has set for 1980–81.