§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, further to his reply of 8 May, either his Department or the British Steel Corporation will insure Mr. Ian MacGregor; if so, at what cost; what the benefits will be; and who will be the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
§ Sir Keith JosephMy Department has not insured Mr. MacGregor and does not intend to do so. What BSC does is a matter for it.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Industry if any other persons were offered the post of chairman of the British Steel Corporation prior to the present chairman-designate's appointment; and, if so, whether the post was offered to them on similar terms and conditions.
§ Sir Keith JosephNo formal offer was made to any other person for the post of chairman of the British Steel Corporation. Serious discussions were held with several people considered suitable, but no one of them was then prepared to take on the task in principle. So the question of terms and conditions did not arise, although we had indicated that we were prepared to be flexible if necessary.