asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he proposes to equip Hartlepool Steel Mills or other locations to produce large-diameter pipe of the size and specifications required to meet North Sea requirements; and what investment will be required to enter this specific market.

BSC has embarked on expenditure of £33 million on the develop ment of pipemaking facilities for the North Sea, of which £10 million is being spent on enhancing the 20-inch pipe mill at Hartlepool. I understand that the corporation is also examining a proposal to enhance the 44-inch pipe mill at Hartlepool, to enable it to produce undersea pipe for the North Sea.