§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give the leading steel producers in the European Economic Community, the steel capacity of the companies, production in the last year for which figures are available and the hours required to produce a ton of steel in separate States.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallThe following is the available information:
Friend has asked the new chairman of the BSC to see whether it is possible to restore the corporation's financial and trading position, including a further review of the possibilities for disposal of assets and to make proposals.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Industry how much steel was purchased abroad by the British Steel Corporation between 1 January 1980 and 3 April 1980; and how much of this has been of too poor quality to be used.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallThis is a matter for the British Steel Corporation. Imports of steel in the financial year 1979–80 by the BSC are given in "Annual Statistics for the Corporation 1979–80" a copy of which is available in the Library.
§ Mr. Hudson Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in the national interest, he will issue a direction 471W to prohibit the British Steel Corporation from importing coking coal when suitable coal from British pits is available.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerNo. My right hon. Friend does not have the power to do so.