§ 20. Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the competitiveness of steelmaking in Wales. [61579]
§ Mr. HainThe Welsh steel industry is among the most competitive in the world. However, like others, it is experiencing difficult trading conditions. The industry is therefore undertaking a range of measures to maintain its competitiveness, such as the introduction of new technology and team working. In particular British Steel has recently completed a £121m investment in a new continuous annealing process line at Port Talbot. This is the biggest single investment since privatisation and represents a massive vote of confidence in the Welsh steel Industry.