§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will discuss with the British Steel Corporation the timescale for the development of the hot strip mill at Port Talbot; what is the 386W total expenditure now authorised for this project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldAs my right hon. Friend told the House in his statement on 19th July, the British Steel Corporation has agreed to undertake a further study of the capital cost and market prospects related to its proposal for developing Port Talbot. As part of that study it will be considering the Government's readiness to authorise the new hot strip mill which the corporation recently estimated would cost some £250 million at current prices. The Government have also authorised expenditure of some £100 million on the second phase of coke oven replacement and on the introduction of continuous casting equipment at Port Talbot. A first phase of coke oven replacement at Port Talbot, estimated to cost £64 million at 1975 prices, was authorised last year.