§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that there is to be a reduction in steel production ranging between 20 per cent. and 25 per cent.: and what effect 650W this will have on the overall national employment situation.
§ Mr. GoldingI am aware of the present recession in the steel industry and am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry about its possible employment implications.
The British Steel Corporation is currently discussing the problems of the industry with the TUC Steel Industry Committee and the Government, and until the outcome of these discussions are known we cannot quantify the changes which may occur in employment in the industry.