HC Deb 05 December 1977 vol 940 cc559-60W
Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent British manufacturers gain by taking a larger proportion of their steel requirements from thet EEC.

Mr. Les Huckfield

This is for the manufacturers to judge in the light of their requirements. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind he may care to write to me.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what share of the United Kingdom steel market was held by the British Steel Corporation, the United Kingdom private sector and imports, respectively, in 1976, and at the latest date for which information is available.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The information is as follows:

FINISHED STEEL—DELIVERTIES TO CONSUMING INDUSTRIES AND STOCKHOLDING MERCHANTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Percentage share
1976 1977 (January-October)
British Steel Corporation 54.4 56.0
Private Sector 26.1 25.4
Imports 19.5 18.6

Source: British Steel Corporation.

Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau.