§ 36. Dr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will give a general direction to the British Steel Corporation to place greater emphasis on investment for the production of refined steels in view of the greater demand they enjoy by comparison with bulk steels.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldMy right hon. Friend has no power to give such a direction. However, I know that the cor-48W poration attaches great importance to the production of higher quality steels and is continuing to invest in plant for this, both in Scotland and elsewhere.
§ 41. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his estimate of the prospects for special steel production in the United Kingdom during the next three years.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldMuch will depend on the general economic situation and on whether United Kingdom producers can recapture some of the large share taken by imports of the home market for high speed steels, tool steels and stainless steel bar. The Government are making every effort to help on this. The recent increase in imports of special steels from EEC member States poses a particular problem. It is, of course, impossible to take unlateral action against imports from another member State and, accordingly, we are in close touch with the European Commission as to how this problem can best be tackled. Prospects are better for stainless steel flat products where major investment, recently completed by the British Steel Corporation, will help meet competition from imports and expand exports.