HC Deb 27 July 1988 vol 138 cc308-9W
22. Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment his Department has made of the effect of closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks on employment in other areas of the Scottish economy.

38. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what calculation has been made of the loss of non-steel industry jobs in the short term and in the long term, consequent upon Ravenscraig being closed.

Mr. Lang

The British Steel Corporation has given an assurance, based on commercial judgment, that there will be a requirement for steel making at Ravenscraig for at least seven years from last December. I see, therefore, no need at present for such an assessment.

25. Dr. Bray

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will pay an official visit to the Ravenscraig hot strip mill; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to visit Ravenscraig. The chairman of the British Steel Corporation has recently confirmed to my right hon. and learned Friend that there is no reason for the corporation at present to make plans to close the Ravenscraig hot strip mill.

31. Mr. Harry Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will meet the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss the future of Ravenscraig hot strip mill.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has not received any request from the Scottish Trades Union Congress for such a meeting. If a meeting is sought, consideration will be given to the request at the time.

47. Dr. Reid

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what specific steps he proposes to take to ensure that his undertakings in respect of the future of the hot strip mill at Ravenscraig are fulfilled; and if he will list the references in theOfficial Report where such undertakings were made.

Mr. Rifkind

The undertakings referred to are assurances given by the British Steel Corporation based on its own commercial judgment and are reflected in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 3 December 1987, at column 1107.

This statement, that there would be a continued need for steel-making at all of the integrated plants, including Ravenscraig, for a period of at least seven years, subject to market conditions, and that there would be continued operation of the hot strip mill at Ravenscraig until at least 1989, has been referred to many times during the passage of the British Steel Bill and in other proceedings. The references could be listed only at disproportionate cost.