asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what steps are being taken by the Government by means of stockpiling or other measures to ensure a continuous supply to United Kingdom civil industry of platinum group metals, chromite ore, vanadium, manganese and cobalt;(2) if he will hold discussions with the steel industry about safeguarding supplies of essential alloy metals such as chrome, manganese, cobalt, vanadium, titanium and molybdenum, in the event of disruption caused by civil disturbance or international conflict in the principal countries of supply;(3) what discussions are being held with other EEC States about maintaining strategic reserves of essential minerals for civil industry such as platinum group metals, ferro-chrome, vanadium, manganese and cobalt.

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.