§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Chairman of British Steel plc concerning imports of steel products from the Far East; and if he will make a statement. [62699]
§ Mr. HainNone, but the Welsh Office maintains close contact with British Steel and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, met the Chairman of British Steel plc on 17 November to discuss this and a range of other issues affecting the steel industry.
The Government consistently press for strict rules contained in the Steel Aid Code to be applied rigorously by Member States and for stringent monitoring and enforcement by the Commission. This has contributed to a climate in which illegal state aids have declined significantly in importance as a problem for the UK steel industry.
233WWhere any cases give rise to concern, the Government are always willing to examine any evidence put forward, and to consider what action might be appropriate.