asked the Secretary of State for Wales what further consultations he has had with the British Steel Corporation in the light of the new public spending criteria.

I maintain close contact with the corporation on all aspects of its work in Wales.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman make new and urgent representations on behalf of continued steel-making at Shotton? Will he, for instance, visit the works?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government have carried out a thorough examination of the British Steel Corporation's development proposals and were satisfied that they offered the best means of securing the future for the steel industry. That remains the position.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that, although the Government were satisfied regarding tube production capacity and therefore closed the Newport works, there is now a tube shortage? Perhaps the judgment of the corporation ought to be considered by the Government.

The British Steel Corporation's strategy went into great detail and it was considered that for the long-term future of the steel industry it was the proper strategy.