§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the present quota arrangements for stainless steel production in Britain; and when he expects to be able to announce the new quotas for stainless steel plants in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonStainless steel bar and wire rod is subject to European Community production quotas, as are most bulk carbon steel products. The present quota arrangements, agreed by the Council of Ministers last year, have been on operation since 1 January 1986. After consultation with producers and member states, the Commission sets quotas each quarter in line with forecast demand. Quotas for individual producers are commercially confidential.