§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate of the value to United Kingdom steel exporters since autumn 1992 of the devaluation of the pound; and if he will make a statement. [25823]
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§ Mr. PageIt is not possible to isolate the effects of currency movements from other influences on the price and quantity of United Kingdom steel exports since the autumn of 1992. The quantity and value of the United Kingdom's annual steel exports since 1992 are given in the table.
United Kingdom exports of all steel products 1992 to 1995 Year Value £ million Tonnes (000s) 1992 2,874.6 8,346.6 1993 2,955.1 8,203.5 1994 3,419.8 8,825.5 1995 4,141.4 8,807.3 Note:
All steel products are defined as European Coal and Steel Community products, other UK steel industry products—tubes, cold rolled strip, electrical strip, coated strip, cold finished bars, forged semis, bars and sections—wire and other steel products.
Source: UK Steel Exports 6/1 column 30, ISSB Ltd.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had since autumn 1992 regarding the value of the pound and exports with(a) British Steel plc and (b) the British Iron and Steel Producers Association; and if he will make a statement. [25824]
§ Mr. PageSince 1992, DTI Ministers have had numerous meetings with both British Steel and the British Iron and Steel Producers Association—BISPA. Issues discussed have included international trade and competitiveness. Most recently, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy met BISPA officials and industry representatives, including British Steel, in December 1995. In addition, my officials have very frequent contact with both British Steel and BISPA.