HC Deb 23 February 1994 vol 238 cc229-30W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the prospects for the British steel industry.

Mr. Sainsbury

The United Kingdom steel industry is now one of the most efficient in the world. Strict implementation of the state aids package and monitoring arrangements agreed at the 17 December Industry Council is essential to eradicate illegal subsidies and to ensure the prosperity and growth of efficient EC producers, including the United Kingdom industry.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement concerning price fixing in the steel industry in the European Union as it affects the United Kingdom.

Mr. Sainsbury

[holding answer 22 February 1994]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave in the House to the hon. Member for Livingston (Mr. Cook) on 16 February 1994, Official Report, column 945.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received concerning the ending of the iron and steel employees readaptation benefits scheme arrangements for redundant steel workers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

[holding answer 22 February 1994]: I received representations from a range of interested parties including the steel industry and its representative bodies, trades unions, local authorities and hon. Members and Members of the European Parliament. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the then hon. Member for Eastleigh on 27 January 1994, Official Report, column 369.