HC Deb 02 May 2002 vol 384 cc920-1W
21. Dr. Francis

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the operation of European safeguards introduced to protect the British steel industry. [52020]

Ms Hewitt

The Government will stand by our steel industry and communities in combating the unjustified and deeply regrettable action by the United States. We pressed for and welcome the introduction from 29 March of provisional safeguard measures to protect the UK and EU industry against diversion of trade from the US. We also fully support the action taken by the European Commission in initiating World Trade Organisation action against the US.

Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent consultations she has had with the steel industry. [52013]

Ms Hewitt

I have had a number of consultations with steel companies and key organisations representing the steel industry recently. These discussions have focused on US actions to restrict steel imports.