§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what system of production quotas in 1977 will be imposed on (a) the British Steel Corporation and (b) British independent steel producers, by the European Coal and Steel Authority; and how these will effect the production of special steels in the Sheffield area.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldIn order to mitigate the effects of recession in the steel industry, the Commission has invited steel firms, including the British Steel Corporation and seven independent British producers, to give voluntary undertakings to limit their deliveries within the Common Market of certain major product groups. We have made clear to the Commission that, while common action to counter the recession is welcome, it is essential to avoid adverse effects on production and employment in the United Kingdom. I have been in touch with the Corporation and the British Independent Steel Producers' Association to ensure this. The products do not include special steels.