HC Deb 08 June 1982 vol 25 c13W
Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress he has made in negotiating Community aid for the special steels industry.

Mr. Butcher

Vice-President Davignon undertook at the Council on 4 May to report to the Council on 8 June in response to the request of my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the inclusion in the production quotas under article 58 ECSC of the tool and high speed steels that have hitherto been subject only to Commission guidelines.

Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what benefits the United Kingdom steel industry has derived from British membership of the European Community since 1973.

Mr. Butcher

It has in particular benefited from the Community's anti-crisis measures, without which the steel market would have faced total chaos. Steel prices have improved this year as a result and progress is being made in reducing state subsidies and surplus capacity within the Community.