asked the Prime Minister whether he will make public the terms of the reply to the request of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation for an inquiry into the condition of the iron and steel industry?

My right hon. Friend does not wish to make public the terms of his reply to the confederation until the secretary has placed it before the executive council. I understand that he will do this at a meeting of the council to be held next week.

Are we right in assuming that the failure of the Government to go forward with the safeguarding of iron and steel is mainly due to the beneficent influence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

That has absolutely nothing to do either with the question or my answer.