§ 90. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement about the inability of British steel companies to supply sufficient steel tubes to convey gas newly discovered in the North Sea under British Governmental licence; and what steps he plans to assist the British steel industry to supply British needs.
§ Mr. MarshSome imports of steel tubes are already being made and further imports are contemplated. I understand that most of the tube required to bring on shore and transmit the natural gas discovered by British Petroleum Ltd., will be supplied by British companies. As to more recent and future discoveries, the provision of steel tubes is primarily a matter for the users and suppliers concerned, but I am in touch with the licensees and the Gas Council about their requirements and with the Iron and Steel Board and the steel companies about the ability of the U.K. industry to meet them.