§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking(a) to support and promote the UK steel industry and (b) to help the UK steel industry fulfil its production capacity. [92032]
§ Alan JohnsonThe information is as follows:
(a) The Department works closely with steel industry representatives to help the sector to improve its competitive position. We are providing support towards a number of initiatives designed to help steel companies to improve productivity and innovation.
The Metal Industry Competitiveness Enterprise (MICE) is a five year process improvement and supply chain improvement project launched in February 2000 with £1.5 million contribution from DTI.The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTECH) is a collaborative venture which will draw together sources of metals related expertise in order to provide a unique service to UK companies seeking help and advice on metals technology and R&D issues. DTI. in partnership with Yorkshire Forward, are providing £2.7 million in pump priming support.(b) I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply to his questions tabled on 10 December 2002, Official Report, column 404W, and 12 December 2002, Official Report, column 403W.