§ 43. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he proposes to allow steel prices to be raised to European Economic Community levels on 1st January, 1973.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo.
§ 50. Mr. Baxterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what he estimates will be the effect upon Scottish industry of having the basing points for certain types of steel used by Scottish industry based upon the Midlands of England.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe full effect of adaptation to the ECSC basing point pricing system will not be known until the steel industry publish basing point prices and the appropriate freight rates. BSC has paid special regard to Scottish consumers in selecting its basing points and has selected Glasgow for a wider variety288W of products than any other basing point in the United Kingdom.
§ 59. Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement on the future of the steel industry.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe British Steel Corporation has submitted its development proposals. These are being studied and I will make a statement as soon as possible.
§ 76. Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what purpose he met separate deputations from the Northern Region, Scotland and Wales on Friday, 1st December in connection with developments within the steel industry; if he will make a statement; and if he will place a copy of the record of the proceedings of the meetings in the Library of the House of Commons.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI met these deputations in order to hear their views on future developments in the steel industry before deciding on the proposals put to me by the British Steel Corporation. I shall make a statement as soon as possible. It is not the practice to provide records of such meetings.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement on the consultations he has had in relation to a new integrated steel plant in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. EmerySince receiving the British Steel Corporation's development plans, the Secretary of State, the Minister for Industry and I have met a number of regional groups, trade unions and others who are concerned with these matters. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make a statement on the plans as soon as possible.