§ Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the prospects of employment in the steel industry.
Mr. LeeThese depend very much on the level of demand for steel. Despite an expected increase in activity in the economy as a whole, demand for steel is expected to be lower this year than in 1965 mainly because of stock changes. Some short-time working and redundancies have already occurred and it is possible that further instances will arise during the year. When redundancies occur my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is always ready to give his assistance, and the Redundancy Payments Act provides for compensation payments subject to certain conditions.
The longer-term prospects for employment in the industry are described in the National Plan.