asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultation has taken place between his Department and the trade unions concerned in current talks on joint ventures involving public and private steel firms.

None. Consultation with trade unions about any proposals for joint ventures is a matter for the companies concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry at what stage before the public announcement of a conclusion to current discussions on joint ventures between public and private steel firms he expects the management and unions concerned to be notified.

This a matter for the companies concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry which private steel firms are engaged with his Department in talks on joint ventures with the British Steel Corporation.

The identity of the companies involved is a matter of commercial confidentiality.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry which production areas his Department has examined in current discussions on joint ventures between public and private steel firms.

Recent studies carried out for public and private steel companies have considered rationalisation of various sectors including engineering steels, bright bar, cold rolled strip and heavy forgings.