§ 40. Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about investment in new capacity in the steel industry.
§ Mr. John DaviesNo. I have just received the annual investment review of the British Steel Corporation, which is being examined.
§ 41. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial targets he now proposes to set for the British Steel Corporation.
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§ Mr. John DaviesIt remains my intention to settle an objective as soon as possible.
§ 49. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to receive the annual report of the British Steel Corporation for 197–71.
§ Mr. John DaviesOn present plans, I expect to receive it about the end of June, with publication about the end of July.
§ 65. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what general directions he has issued to the British Steel Corporation.
§ Mr. John DaviesNone.
§ 96. Mr. Michael Footasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with representatives of the steel industry about altering the controls over the export of scrap and what effect he considers such a proposal will have on steel costs.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Department is continuing discussions with representatives of the steel industry and other interested parties on the operation of these controls. The relaxation of the control on the export of certain grades of inferior scrap has already been announced. The assessment of the effect on steel costs depends on prevailing market conditions for scrap and is a matter for the industry.