§ Mr. Bostonasked the Minister of Power what further report he has received from the British Steel Corporation on its re-organisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonThe British Steel Corporation's Second Report on Organisation has been laid before Parliament and is being published today. In addition to the replacement of the Group structure, on which the Government will consider its decision when the Corporation's full proposals have been received, the Corporation recommends the transfer to itself of the undertakings of most of the publicly-owned companies. I agree with318W these recommendations and with the view that it would then be pointless to keep the companies in being. I shall therefore be prepared to give my consent to the reorganisation, which is required under Section 7(3) of the Iron and Steel Act, 1967, after the House has considered the provisions facilitating the winding-up of the companies that will be included in the forthcoming steel Bill.