HC Deb 31 October 1983 vol 47 cc249-50W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total output of United Kingdom steel in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; what was the total volume of steel imported from the European Community and the rest of the world, respectively, during the same period; and if he will provide comparable figures for each of the previous 10 years.

Mr. Butcher

Annual figures and the latest available information for 1983 are given as follows.

United Kingdom Crude Steel Production
United Kingdom imports of steel industry products*†‡(including material for conversion)
('000 tonnes)
From EC (10) countries From other countries
1973 26,594 1,534 1,244
1974 22,323 2,744 1,053
1975 20,098 2,587 1,133
1976 22,274 2,597 1,491
1977 20,411 2,342 1,376
1978 20,311 2,241 1,431
1979 21,464 2,354 1,430
1980 11,277 3,062 1,558
1981 15,573 2,515 800
1982 13,704 2,615 1,221
1983 9,972 1,423 629
(Jan-Aug)

* Source: Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau.

Figures from 1976 are compiled on a country of origin basis; figures prior to 1976 are on the basis of country from which goods were last consigned. Around one half to two thirds of the increase in imports from non-EC countries between 1975 and 1976 is likely to reflect the change in the basis of the figures; the figures for EC countries are affected conversely.

The EC figures from 1976 onwards include very small amounts of imports which are classified as having originated in the United Kingdom. This covers steel which has been exported from the United Kingdom and then re-imported, without having undergone further processing.

Production and imports of steel affected by the steel dispute.

BSC and BISPA monthly steel industry statistics. The latest figures show crude steel production for Jan-Sep 1983 at 11,261 thousands tonnes.

Forward to