§ Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) when he expects to announce a conclusion to current talks between his Department, the British Steel Corporation and Johnson Firth Brown on a forging link-up between Johnson Firth Brown and BSC River Don;
(2) which steel firms are involved in talks with his Department and the British Steel Corporation on the proposed Phoenix III joint venture with Johnson Firth Brown and BSC River Don.
§ Mr. ButcherThe discussions which Johnson Firth Brown disclosed on 8 July are taking place between that company and the British Steel Corporation are a matter for the companies concerned. I have not yet received any firm proposal from them.
§ Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Industry at what stage, before the conclusion to current talks between his Department, the British Steel Corporation and Johnson Firth Brown on a forging link-up between Johnson Firth Brown and BSC River Don, he expects the management and trade unions concerned to be consulted.
§ Mr. ButcherI refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question from him on 16 June.