HC Deb 12 March 1973 vol 852 cc241-2W
Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the work of the task forces set up to deal with specific areas arising from steel plant closure proposals.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The five task forces—at Shotton, Cardiff, Ebbw Vale, Hartlepool and Workington—have all held a number of meetings and are consulting a wide variety of local interests, including the trade unions, British Steel Corporation, local authorities and other interested parties. I expect to receive the report of the Workington task force in a few weeks' time. Interim reports from the other task forces are expected next month.

Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is free to undertake retiming of steel plant closures, or modify his proposals in the investment programme he has announced to take into account a review of the closures, without consulting the EEC.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Responsibility for such decisions rests with the corporation, though it would consult me about any major changes to the investment strategy already approved by the Government and obtain Government approval to each annual investment programme. There is no requirement to consult the Commission but all Community steel undertakings have an obligation under the Treaty of Paris to notify significant investment proposals or reductions in production capacity to the Commission in advance.