§ 24. Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met trade union representatives from the steel industry to discuss future steel production in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend last met representatives of the steel trade unions on 14 November, when he met representatives of the Clydesdale unions. The discussion covered prospects for that plant.
§ 26. Dr. ReidTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet the chairman of British Steel to discuss the scottish steel industry.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend met the Chairman of British Steel on 7 November. No further meetings are planned at present.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many reports of potential Japanese or German purchasers of British Steel plants in Lanarkshire his Department has received and investigated.
§ Mr. LangTwo reports of Japanese interest have been investigated. I am not aware of any reports of potential German purchasers of British Steel plants in Scotland.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in theOfficial Report statements made about the Scottish steel industry by the Scottish Industry Minister over the period 8 to 12 November.
§ Mr. LangOver the period in question my only statements about the Scottish steel industry were made in response to the press and to the Young Conservative conference. Official records are not available for either of these occasions.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has given to Locate in Scotland and British embassies about British Steel's willingness as sellers of its plants in Lanarkshire.
§ Mr. LangNo specific information has been passed regarding British Steel's willingness to sell its plants.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the dates over the past 12 months when he has met the chairman or other senior executives of British Steel; and when he next expects to meet them.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend met the chairman of British Steel and his chief executive on 15 May, 16 October and 7 November this year. He would expect to meet the chairman of British Steel again whenever appropriate.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had or intends to have with British Steel about its future policy with regard to retaining or abandoning Glasgow as its price basing point.
§ Mr. LangPolicy on price-basing points has not arisen during discussions between my right hon. and learned Friend and the chairman of British Steel.
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§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions he has given to Locate in Scotland and British embassies about advertising the possible availability for sale of British Steel assets in Scotland; and when these instructions were first sent.
§ Mr. LangThe assets belong to the company, not to the Government; therefore it is not for the Government to advertise the assets for sale.