§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what steps are 190W being taken by the Government by means of stockpiling or other measures to ensure a continuous supply to United Kingdom civil industry of platinum group metals, chromite ore, vanadium, manganese and cobalt;
(2) if he will hold discussions with the steel industry about safeguarding supplies of essential alloy metals such as chrome, manganese, cobalt, vanadium, titanium and molybdenum, in the event of disruption caused by civil disturbance or international conflict in the principal countries of supply;
(3) what discussions are being held with other EEC States about maintaining strategic reserves of essential minerals for civil industry such as platinum group metals, ferro-chrome, vanadium, manganese and cobalt.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to his reply, 23 October 1979]: Responsibility for procurement and stockpiling of raw materials lies first and foremost with industrial users. There is, however, continuing and frequent contact between industry and Government on the supply situation, including the need for stockpiling in order to reduce the risk of a disruption of supplies. The steel industry, being a major user of many important strategic materials, is included in these discussions.
The Government also exchange views and information with other EEC member States about raw material supply questions, including stockpiling.