HC Deb 31 January 2001 vol 362 c241W
17. Mr. Denzil Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of the steel industry in Wales. [146537]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Over the past weeks, I have discussed the future of the steel industry with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have also held numerous meetings with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales.

In addition, I have met Sir Brian Moffat, the Chairman of Corus, twice.

I have to tell the House that the Government have not been given any detail about the forthcoming re-structuring of the British steel industry, much of which is based in Wales. The company has not engaged with the Government. I regret this, and I urge Corus to recognise the record of our steel works and steelworkers, and not to take any short term decisions.

22. Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the steel industry in Wales. [146543]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I regularly meet ministerial colleagues and discuss a wide range of issues including, of course, the steel industry in Wales.