§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the Chairman of Corus plc in the last two months regarding the future of the steel industry. [146661]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had a number of discussions with the Chairman of Corus in the last two months on a range of issues. It would not be appropriate to divulge the details of commercially confidential discussions between Ministers and companies.
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from the trade unions regarding the future of employment in the steel industry. [146662]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is in regular contact, on a number of issues, with trade unions representing employees in the steel industry. In addition, in November I hosted a meeting with trade unions, metals industry representatives and Government which focused on what all parties could contribute to ensure the future competitiveness of the metals industries, including steel.