HC Deb 21 March 2002 vol 382 cc453-4W
16. Julie Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to help the Welsh steel industry. [42865]

Ms Hewitt

My Department and the National Assembly for Wales work closely with the steel industry to provide support to improve the sector's competitiveness. The Welsh Assembly co-ordinates the All-Wales Steel Task Force with the aim of promoting the industry as well as dealing with the consequences of restructuring.

My Department has supported a number of industry-led initiatives which benefit companies in Wales and elsewhere in the UK. The Metals Industry Competitive Enterprise (MICE) aims to introduce lean manufacturing techniques throughout the sector. Welsh companies are among those who have already taken advantage of this important initiative. In February I announced funding for the new National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) which I hope will play an important role in ensuring the UK metals industry as a whole remains a world leader in innovation.

22. Andrew Selous

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the British steel industry. [42873]

Ms Hewitt

The UK steel industry has experienced difficult trading conditions in recent years and many jobs have been lost through restructuring and cost cutting. However, the industry has an excellent productivity record, produces a wide range of high quality products and has a well trained work force helping it compete against international competition at home and overseas. We are determined to stand by the industry in combating the recent unjustified US action to impose prohibitive import tariffs.

Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were employed in the UK steel industry in each of the last 20 years. [44777]

Ms Hewitt

The number of people employed in the UK steel industry in each of the last 20 years was:

1Thousand
1982 74.5
1983 63.7
1984 61.9
1985 59.0
1986 55.9
1987 54.9
1988 55.1
1989 53.8
1990 50.8
1991 45.1
1992 40.8
1993 39.2
1994 38.1
1995 37.9
1996 36.5
1997 35.2
1998 32.5
1999 28.9
2000 25.5
2001 222.0
1 Number employed at end of year on European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) iron and steel activities.
2 Estimated.

Source:

The Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau.