asked the Secretary of State for Industry what quantities of (a) tool steel, (b) high speed steels and (c) stainless steel bars were imported into the United Kingdom in 1978; and how the figures compare with 1977 and 1976.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what were the principal countries of origin of imports of (a) tool steel, (b) high speed steels (c) stainless steel bar, into the United Kingdom in 1978, 1977 and 1976 giving the approximate quantity for each country.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what further discussions have taken place with Commissioner Davignon about imports of special steels into the United Kingdom market (a) from other EEC countries and (b) from outside the EEC;(2) what action is being taken on the findings of the National Economic

The information is as follows:

These figures are not readily available. The table which follows shows imports classified according to the country of consignment, but this analysis is probably much the same as that by country of origin.Development Organisation section working party on special steels;(3) what recent discussions he has held with Sheffield trade unions and Sheffield industrialists, respectively, about imports of special steels into the United Kingdom market;(4) what recent discussions have been held with the British Independent Steel Producers Association about the imports of special steel into the United Kingdom market.

My right hon. Friend wrote to Commissioner Davignon again in December and the Commissioner replied earlier this month. My right hon. Friend immediately sent copies to the NEDO iron and steel sector working party and to the British Independent Steel Producers Association—BISPA—and invited their comments, which we expect to receive shortly. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State also took the opportunity when in Brussels for the Council of Ministers in December to stress to Commissioner Davignon the importance we attach to the problems of the special steels industry. My right hon. Friend met a delegation from BISPA in November along with the President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, the chairman of the NEDO iron and steel sector working party and the chairman of the TUC steel committee who is also general secretary of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation.The NEDO iron and steel sector working party has been asked to let my right hon. Friend know what it has in mind or in hand about the many issues which the report on special steels raises besides imports. My right hon. Friend has offered the help of Government under our various schemes for encouraging new investment in the industry and we have discussed the provision of temporary employment subsidy to some producers to help preserve jobs.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what imports of steel, giving classifications, took place in the year 1978–79.

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what exports of steel from the British Steel Corporation took place in 1978–79.

This is strictly a matter for the British Steel Corporation, but I understand that in the calendar year 1978, which is the latest period available, the Corporation's total exports amounted to 3·01 million tones.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what further steps have been taken to control imports of steel from within the EEC and from countries outside the EEC.

The anti-crisis measures for imports from countries outside the EEC are being renewed for 1979 and have been strengthened by measures designed to ensure a greater degree of discipline in intra-Community trade.