§ Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Industry, further to his reply of 12 July, when he expects to receive firm proposals from Johnson Firth Brown and British Steel on the proposed Phoenix III joint venture and if he will now ask the companies to provide him with information as to the amount of assistance they will need, the employment implications of the proposals, details of any other companies that will be involved and when consultations with the trade unions will take place.
§ Mr. ButcherThe companies concerned have yet to put forward firm proposals. The Government's approval of such proposals—and the provision of any financial assistance—will be conditional on, among other points, the receipt of the information listed by the hon. Member. It will be for the companies to decide when to consult the trade unions.