HC Deb 11 May 1972 vol 836 cc414-5W
53. Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance was provided by Her Majesty's. Government, to the British Steel Corporation during the negotiations for the agreement under which the Corporation became technical and operations adviser to the projected £180 million steel works in Mexico; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Tom Boardman:

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for drawing attention to this notable success by the British Steel Corporation. In face of intense international competition, and after complicated negotiations, BSC has been chosen as technical and operating adviser for the construction and commissioning of a major integrated steel works at Las Truchas in Mexico. Two leading British consultants, W.S. Atkins & Partners and McLellan & Partners, will be associated in this task with the Corporation. The British firm of consulting engineers, John Miles & Partners, moreover, carried out the original feasibility study for the steel plant.

This Department and others have provided the usual export facilities and have been kept in touch throughout. HM Ambassador in Mexico City and his staff have supported the BSC has expressed its gratitude for the official help we have given, but credit for the Corporation's success must largely go to its own negotiators and technicians.