§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the occasions on which he met representatives of the Corus Steel company between July 2000 and 1 February; and if he will make a statement. [150234]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI had a number of meetings and telephone conversations with senior executives of Corus, including both the Chairman, Sir Brian Moffatt, and the former Joint Chief Executive, John Bryant. In addition, on 8 December, I paid a visit to the company's Port Talbot plant.
During these exchanges, I took every opportunity to impress on the company the importance of steel making in Wales, and the need to take full account of the dramatic improvements that have been made in productivity, the continued strengthening of the euro, and other significant factors in reaching decisions about the future of their UK operations.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the occasions on which he met the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales to discuss the job losses at Corns in Wales, prior to the announcement on 1 February; and if he will make a statement. [150252]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI meet frequently with the First Secretary and, during the weeks of speculation about the future of Corus plants in Wales, that has been a regular topic for discussion between us.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost of clearing the site of the Corus Steelworks at Llanwern after production of steel ceases at the site; and if he will make a statement. [150230]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyNone. I am urging Corns to reconsider its plans. However, the cost of any site clearance is a matter for the company.