§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of over-capacity in the global steel industry; and if she will make a statement. [38844]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 28 February 2002]: There is no precise estimate of global over-capacity as this can vary considerably according to the basis on which it is assessed. Estimates vary widely from under 80 million tonnes a year to over 200 million tonnes a year.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received about the future of the Nova Hut steel plant in the Czech Republic. [39667]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 1 March 2002]: I receive representations from many groups eager to press their case.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions officials and Ministers in her Department have had with LNM Holdings about the future of the Nova Hut steel plant in the Czech Republic. [39668]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 1 March 2002]: Ministers and civil servants meet many people as part of the process of policy development and analysis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists. Some of these discussions take place on a confidential basis, and in order to preserve confidentiality, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release specific details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.