HC Deb 16 February 1984 vol 54 cc318-9W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the amount by which public expenditure is likely to be increased in securing the proposed privatisation of the special steel interest of the British Steel Corporation.

Mr. Butcher

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make an estimate of the public expenditure costs, if any, of Phoenix 2.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the percentage level of self-sufficiency in steel production in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what were the comparable percentages for each member state of the Common Market.

Mr. Butcher

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what percentage the production quotas allocated to the British steel industry by the Common Market exceed or are less than the actual demand for steel in the year in question; and if he will provide comparable information in respect of the other member states of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Butcher

Quotas are allocated by the European Commission direct to companies, on a commercially confidential basis.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total amount of steel imports in the most recent year for which figures are available; what percentage of the total came from the European Economic Community and the rest of the world, respectively; and if he will provide comparable information for each of the previous 10 years.

Mr. Butcher

The following is the information:

UK Imports of Steel Industry Products
'000 tonnes *Percentage from EC Per cent. Percentage from Rest of the World Per cent.
1972 2,661 45 55
1973 2,778 55 45
1974 3,797 72 28
1975 3,720 70 30
1976 4,094 63 37
1977 3,719 63 37
1978 3,672 61 39
1979 3,784 62 38
1980 4,627 66 34
1981 3,315 75 25
1982 3,836 68 32
* Greece included in all years except 1972

Source: Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau, compiled from HM Customs and Excise returns.

Notes: Figures for 1980 were affected by the dispute in the UK steel industry.