§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the use of natural gas for the direct reduction of iron ore; and whether a second plant is contemplated in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI have been asked to reply.
The direct reduction of iron ore by the use of natural gas is now an estab- 164W lished process and the British Steel Corporation are building a plant at Hunterston. A number of private sector steel companies are also considering building a plant in the United Kingdom and my Department is in close touch with the sponsoring company.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what decision has been reached upon the use of nuclear heat for iron making; and whether the United Kingdom is still participating with the ENSEC upon research and development in this field.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI have been asked to reply.
No decisions have been reached or are likely in the near future. The British Steel Corporation and other United Kingdom organisations are active members of the European Nuclear Steelmaking Club—ENSEC—which is currently engaged in feasibility studies.