§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans he has to consult(a) the British Independent Steel Producers Association, (b) the British Steel Corporation and (c) the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation on the Government's response to the Braun report on the restructuring of the European Community steel industry;
(2) if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the European Commission report by Fernand Braun on the restructuring of the EC steel industry.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 18 February 1993]: I and my officials have discussed the Braun report and the Government's reaction with the British Iron and Steel Producers Association of which British Steel is now a member. There is broad agreement between Government and industry on the need for restructuring and permanent closures in other EC countries. The United Kingdom has alredy taken such steps. I have no plans to consult the Iron and Steel Traders Confederation, which is, however, represented on the European Coal and Steel Community's consultative committee. I am meeting my EC colleagues on 25 February to consider proposals for restructuring the EC steel industry.