HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc595-6W
Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the progress of the private sector steel scheme.

Mr. William Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the progress of the private sector steel scheme.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Since the private sector steel scheme was launched in December 1981 offers of assistance towards rationalisation and related costs have been made to more than:50 companies. The financial assistance involved in these offers, together with the money likely to be offered in respect of projects currently under appraisal mean that the £34.2 million allocated to the scheme is fully committed, and the scheme is therefore now closed.