§ Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if talks are still going on between his Department, the British Steel Corporation and private steel firms on the proposed Phoenix 2 joint venture;
(2) when he expects to receive proposals from the British Steel Corporation and private steel firms on the proposed Phoenix 2 joint venture;
(3) when he expects to announce a conclusion to current talks between his Department, the British Steel Corporation and private steel firms on the proposed Phoenix 2 joint venture;
(4) if he will make a statement on the progress of current talks between the British Steel Corporation and private steel firms on the proposed Phoenix 2 joint venture.
§ Mr. ButcherTalks are going on between BSC and private steel companies on a possible Phoenix 2 joint venture. However, no firm proposals from the companies have been received by my Department.