asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has had from industries using cobalt and about future supplies, bearing in mind dependence on the copper industries of Zambia and Zaire; and whether he has been able to take initiatives with the European Economic Community, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United States of America and the appropriate international organisations to review the situation.

Industries using cobalt have explained to me the importance of securing future supplies of cobalt. My Department is considering urgently what help At can give. So far we have not taken formal initiatives with the bodies named, though some informal approaches have been made.