§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs were dependent upon the steel industry in(a) 2001 and (b) 1997; what measures the Government have introduced since 1997 to help the steel industry; and if she will make a statement. [30757]
§ Mr. WilsonThe number of jobs directly dependent on the steel industry in 1997 was 35,200 and in 2000, the latest year for which figures are available, was 25,5001. The UK steel industry has experienced difficult trading conditions in recent years and many jobs have been lost as a result of restructuring. The Government work closely with representatives of the industry and within the restrictions of the Steel Aid Code, which restricts the provision of aid to the industry, have since 1997, supported a number of measures designed to improve the competitiveness of the sector. In February 2000 Ministers approved £1.6 million to help steel industry representatives to develop the Metals Industry Competitive Enterprise which is designed to introduce lean manufacturing techniques.
1Source:
Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau