§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the United Kingdom Government assented to the doubling of the Republic of Ireland's steel quota to 200,000 tonnes; and how the United Kingdom steel industry's viability will be protected from this competitor's increased output.
§ Mr. ButcherUnited Kingdom assent was given to a Commission proposal to allow additional quota to be granted to Irish Steel Ltd., raising its present level of around 130,000 tonnes by about 50,000 tonnes this year and 85,000 tonnes in 1985. Vice-President Davignon gave the Government clear assurances that Irish Steel's performance as regards pricing and distribution would be closely monitored. Quotas will be awarded on a quarterly basis and member states retain the right to seek remedial action if the traditional pattern of the company's exports is altered. The Government consider that, by obtaining these assurances, the position of the United Kingdom steel industry will be protected from Irish Steel's additional output.