§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent discussions have been held with the Metallurgical Plantmakers' Federation concerning the capital programme of the British Steel Corporation; what major investment decisions of BSC still require Government clearance; what are the major schemes which will be started in 1976–77 and 1977–78; and what is the aggregate capital spending programme of BSC in each of these years.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldMy hon. Friend the Minister of State held discussions with the Metallurgical Plantmakers' Federation on 1st September and this is being followed up by discussions between the federation and officials. The corporation is reviewing its proposals on Port Talbot/Shotton and on plate mill development and no other pending major projects have been put before the Gov-138W ernment. The capital development programme for 1976–77 is estimated at a record £619 million. The figure for 1977–78 will be published in the forthcoming White Paper on public expenditure.