Steel Industry (Hansard, 10 April 2002)

§ 14. Mr. Nicholas Winterton
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of the steel industry in Wales. [44160]
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§ Mr. Paul Murphy
This Government believe that the British steel industry is among the most efficient in the world. I believe that the Welsh steel industry has a long term future, despite the regrettable decision of Corus to cut UK steel capacity.

§ 20. Paul Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new initiatives he intends to promote to strengthen the steel industry. [44166]

§ Mr. Paul Murphy
The Government work closely with the UK steel industry and provide support where the strict state aid provisions permit. Since 1997 the Government have supported a number of industry led initiatives designed to improve the sector's competitiveness. In February, we announced funding of £2.7 million for the new National Metals Technology Centre, which will play an important role in ensuring that the UK metals industry remains competitive and a world-leader in innovation. In addition, the Government continue to support the steel sector through the Metals Industry Competitive Enterprise (MICE) initiative, which has already resulted in significant improvements in the companies it has worked with.