§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will initiate discussions with the Government of the United States about the present crisis in supplies of cobalt with a view to purchases from the USA strategic stockpile by the United Kingdom;
(2) if he will hold discussions with the Canadian Government about future supplies of cobalt.
(3) if he will seek discussions with the Government of Zaire, in co-operation with other industrial countries, about future supplies of cobalt.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:My right hon. Friend is considering the most appropriate steps to secure adequate supplies of cobalt for United Kingdom industry and will bear my hon. Friend's proposals in mind.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions have been held within the EEC about supplies of cobalt to manufacturing industries in the light of the current crisis in supply.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:No substantial discussions have been held at EEC level about the current supply crisis.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what stocks of cobalt are held in the United Kingdom as a general reserve in case of crisis in supplies.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:There is at present no general reserve held in the United Kingdom. I understand, however, that the Ministry of Defence holds a small stock of this material.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent discussions he has had with manufacturers of indus- 76W trial magnets about the current supply of cobalt and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:In their recent discussions with my Department, makers of industrial magnets have stressed the importance to them of secure and adequate supplies of cobalt. My Department is considering the matter urgently.