§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the availability of supplies of steel to British industry, having regard to the expected upturn in the economy.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldLatest assessments indicate that overall United Kingdom steel capacity should be adequate for expected increases in demand this year and next. Steel users will benefit from the additional capacity recently installed or under construction by the British Steel Corporation and by the private sector. The Government made available in 1975–76 substantial finance for BSC stocks to help supplies when the economy improves. As part of the Government's industrial strategy, the Iron and Steel Sector Working Party under NEDO chairmanship is examining the need for action to deal with any potential shortages of particular products which can be identified.