HC Deb 23 July 1979 vol 971 cc7-8W
36. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied that British Steel is making sufficient progress towards reducing overmanning and excess capacity.

Mr. Michael Marshall

The corporation will have to work hard to achieve its targets. We shall monitor progress and judge by results.

38. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry which financial aids to the United Kingdom steel industry will be discontinued following the acceptance by the Government of the Common Market code governing national aids to steel industries.

Mr. Michael Marshall

The Government are still considering the decision but have no reason to believe that accepting it would lead to any particular form of aid being discontinued. Individual cases would be judged by the European Commission against Community criteria.

45. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what plans he has for any restructuring of or mergers within the steel industry.

Mr. Michael Marshall

None. It is for the industry itself to plan for and manage its own future.