To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further progress has been made in transferring British Steel to the private sector.

The British Steel Bill is currently in Committee. Other preparations for privatisation are also proceeding and a number of Government advisers have been appointed.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent representations he has received from Wales concerning the privatisation of the British Steel Corporation.

I have received a small number of letters from various parties in Wales about points of detail. I have so far received few representations about the principle of privatisation itself.