§ Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, following talks between his Department, the British Steel Corporation and the private companies involved in the proposed Phoenix 2 joint venture, he is yet able to provide information on the structure of the new company; when trading will begin; whether rationalisation will arise and when that will begin; what are the employment implications of the proposals; and when employee consultations will take place and at what level.
§ Mr. ButcherPursuant to my reply yesterday to the hon. Member—[Vol. 41, c.330]—the Department has received no agreed proposals from the companies. It is for the companies, if and when such proposals are made, to release information and undertake employee consultations as they think appropriate.