asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what discussions he has had with the steel industry in order to speed up supplies of steel to assist in the speedy construction of factories in development districts; and what has been the outcome.

None, Sir. I am not aware of any need for such discussions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not important only to provide jobs in the North-East but also to provide them quickly; that many orders for building steel are holding up the development of factories—[HON. MEMBERS: "Where?"] I am asking the Minister if he is aware that orders placed for steel by the end of June will not be ready for delivery until well into September, and I am telling him that this means moving into the winter months for the building trade, which curtails the amount of building time from 12 months to 9 months and is a factor which his Department should be looking into at this stage.

If anybody gives me any specific instances where factory building in the Norm-East is being held up, or is likely to be held up, I will see what action can be taken, but during my visits to the North-East I had no examples brought to my notice.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the production of steel is still well below capacity, and that the only time when building was delayed by a shortage of steel was during the period of building licences and controls?