§ Mr. Win Griffithsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, since March 1987, when and where talks have taken place between Government and Commission officials on the issue of European Economic Community steel industry production capacity and job cuts; and what views were put forward by each side at these meetings.
§ Mr. AtkinsThree Councils of Ministers — on 19 March, 1 June and 21 September—have considered the future of the European steel regime. In preparation for these there have been a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings involving United Kingdom Ministers and officials and the Commission and frequent contacts between the United Kingdom permanent representation in Brussels and the Commission. Following unanimous agreement at the most recent Council of Ministers on the need for restrictions to ensure the future viability of the Community steel industry the Commission has appointed "Three Wise Men" to advise on how adequate commitments to reduction of production capacity can be obtained.