§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to publish its report on the steel industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeMy right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State expects to publish this report in the new year. The long delay in publication has been caused by the need to consider very carefully a request by the British Steel Corporation that the Secretary of State should exercise his powers under section 17 of the Competition Act 1980 to make a number of excisions to the published report.