§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further projects he has in mind for taking advantage of the deep-water port of Hunterston and environs in view of the need to absorb unemployment in the area.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland indicated in his memorandum of 30th May 1973, several planning applications have been received in respect of Hunterston, offering a number of valuable projects. The proposed discussions with interested parties, to which my right hon. Friend referred in his memorandum, have now begun, so that decisions can be made which will ensure the optimal use of the site.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether a direct 177W reduction plant for pelletising ore at Hunterston has been approved; and whether it is intended to be in the public or private sector.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe British Steel Corporation's 10-year development strategy (Cmnd. 5226) which my right hon. Friend approved in December 1972 includes the probable development at some stage of a direct reduction plant producing pelletised iron at Hunterston. Investment programmes in the private sector of the steel industry do not require my approval.