§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry concerning the future of the Shotton Steelworks and the impact of the strength of sterling; and if he will make a statement. [125602]
525W
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI am in close contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding all aspects of the steel industry. I have also met representatives from the Corns Group plc and from the ISTC and discussed a range of issues with both.
The Government understand the difficulties that the current fall in the euro is causing for British industry. In a wider international context, it is clear that the problem is one of Euro weakness rather than sterling strength. Recently the pound depreciated to a six-year low against the dollar.