HC Deb 12 April 1967 vol 744 cc216-8W
Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Power what discussions have taken place with the shipbuilding industry in relation to the supply and price of steel to shipbuilding firms in the future.

Mr. Freeson

The Report of the Shipbuilding Inquiry Committee (Cmnd. 2937) recommended new price arrangements for steel as a preliminary to the Committee's programme for the industry. After careful examination of these proposals by both shipbuilding and steel industries, it was decided not to implement the Committee's recommendation in the form in which it was made. However, I understand that useful discussions have taken place between firms in the two industries on pricing arrangements. For the future, the Government believe that the reorganisations now proposed for both industries will provide improved opportunities for reducing the cost of steel for shipbuilding.