§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support and assistance she will provide to the UK steel industry in response to the introduction of US tariffs. [69480]
§ Ms HewittThe Government supported the European Commission's robust response in pursuing WTO action and took the lead in pressing for EU safeguard action to protect the UK and EU steel industry against diversion of trade. The Government have also actively supported UK companies in their efforts to secure product exclusions from the US measures and will continue to do so. To date, 70 per cent. of UK steel exports are not covered by the US tariff increases.
The Government can only provide support to the steel sector within the strict aid criteria rules that apply to the sector. We continue to provide financial support to the sector representatives for initiatives designed to improve competitiveness.