§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) on what date he was informed that a plate finishing mill was being stored at British Steel, Lackenby; whether he was consulted by British Steel before the company issued a denial of any knowledge of such a plant; whether he was consulted by British Steel before the company confirmed that a plate mill had been stored in Lackenby for several months; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he regards British Steel plc's admission that it has been supportive of the Davy Corporation's acquisition of a second-hand Japanese plate finishing mill as likely to affect guarantees given by his Department relating to the future of the Scottish steel industry;
(3) whether the Government would intervene to stop British Steel plc going ahead with any closure proposals which relate to the Scottish plants covered by the guarantees issued by his Department on 3 December 1987.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg[holding answer 12 December 1989]: The acquisition and disposition of items of plant are matters for British Steel. Ministers have not been, and do not expect to be, informed or consulted by the company on such matters. There are no current Government guarantees in relation to the future of any of British Steel's works, the last such guarantee having expired at the end of August 1988.