HC Deb 04 July 1990 vol 175 cc608-9W
20. Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when was the last time he met the chief executive of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) to discuss the steel industry.

Mr. Lang

I met the chief executive two days ago, when we discussed a number of matters, including the steel industry.

23. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect of the closure of Ravenscraig on the local economy.

Mr. Lang

British Steel has confirmed that its undertaking to continue steel-making at Ravenscraig until at least 1994 still stands. In the light, however, of its proposals for the hot strip mill my right hon. and learned Friend has asked his officials and the Scottish Development Agency to consider, on a contingency basis, what could be done to encourage new employment and investment in Lanarkshire in the event of closure of the hot strip mill.

46. Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Steel to discuss the future of the steel industry in Scotland.

Dr. Bray

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his efforts to procure information from British Steel on its reasons for the closure of the Ravenscraig strip mill.

Mr. Lang

I refer the hon. Members to the reply my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for Motherwell, North (Dr. Reid) earlier today.