§ 22. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many persons have been declared redundant by 3W the British Steel Corporation in each year since its inception.
§ Mr. MeacherFigures for each year are not readily available but I am advised that the total number of persons declared redundant between vesting day and 31st March 1974 is 19,760.
I append annual figures of lost job opportunities over the same period which totalled 38,215, the difference being accounted for by redeployment, early retirement and resignations.
BRITTISH STEEL CORPORATION Loss of job opportunities Vesting Day (28th July 1967 to end 1968) 3,183 1969 2,369 1970–71 (15-month period due to change in annual report basis) 5,166 1971–72 (year ending 31st March) 18,762 1972–73 2,936 1973–74 5,799 Total 38,215
§ 27. Mr. Tinnasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress is being made with his current review of the British Steel Corporation's development programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State has held initial tripartite meetings on the proposed closures at Ebbw Vale, East Moors, Hartlepool, Cleveland and Workington. Papers from the TUC, SICC, the BSC and from my Department were submitted and discussed in detail. The representations that were made are now being carefully considered. It may be necessary to hold further tripartite meetings before any decision is reached.