HC Deb 15 November 1971 vol 826 cc9-11W
53. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his discussions with the British Steel Corporation on the question of the Corporation's entry into the steel stockholding industry in the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Davies

I am, of course, prepared to consider any proposal the B.S.C. may put before me. I should need very strong arguments to justify an extension of the public sector into this field.

59. Mr. Tinn

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce a decision on the British Steel Corporation's proposal for a multi-million pound new steel complex at Redcar.

Mr. Ridley

The scope for major new steel development falls within our current review of the B.S.C.'s financial position and development plans. The Corporation has not yet reached the stage of making a specific proposal for a new steel complex.

74. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the long-term investment programme submitted to him by the British Steel Corporation includes plans to reorganise the administrative structure of the Tubes Division in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

No; but I have now received the hon. Member's letter and I shall consider it in consultation with the Corporation.

79. Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the regional employment implications of the proposal by the British Steel Corporation to close the Glasgow sales office of the tubes division of the Corporation with a possible loss of 450 jobs.

Mr. Ridley

The future of individual offices is for the British Steel Corporation to decide, but I am well aware that any loss of jobs in the Glasgow area would be unwelcome.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many persons were employed by the British Steel Corporation on 1st June, 1970, and on 1st June, 1971, respectively.

Mr. Ridley

I am advised by the British Steel Corporation that their total United Kingdom employment at end May, 1970 was 256,500 and that the corresponding figure for end May, 1971 was 246,800.

Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will issue a general direction to the British Steel Corporation to reduce the number of outside contractors in the steel industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

No; this is entirely a matter for the Corporation.