§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the balance of trade was in steel in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what the main contribution of origin of steel imports were by volume. [36061]
§ Mr. WilsonThe information is given in the following tables:
UK balance of trade in steel 1996 to 2000 Year Tonnes 000 1996 2,814 1997 2,662 1998 815 1999 835 2000 185
UK imports of steel 1996 to 2000—top five sources Tonnes 000 Countries 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Germany 1,514 1,518 1,394 1,394 1,455 France 738 824 893 864 740 Belgium1 579 686 698 661 698 Sweden 526 454 577 524 588 Spain 397 348 384 385 435 1 Data for Belgium include imports from Luxembourg in years 1996–98 Source:
Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her assessment is of the effects of stage 1 and stage 2 enlargement of the European Union on the British steel industry. [36062]
§ Mr. WilsonEnlargement of the European Union will strengthen its position in the global market and provide excellent opportunities to increase trade.
It is important that applicant countries, particularly in the first wave of enlargement, move towards a market orientated economy as quickly as possible. It is vital that they bring their competition and state aid regimes into line with other member states to ensure a level playing field is created and we support the Commission's efforts to achieve this. In this context, there has undoubtedly been much progress in reducing subsidies and introducing privatisation and restructuring in the steel industry in the first and second wave applicant countries.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department was consulted as to the effect of LNM Holdings acquisition of the Sidex Plant in Romania on the British steel industry. [36732]
857W
§ Ms HewittMy Department's position on the privatisation of Romanian steel plants is well established. We have for some time supported the interests of the British steel industry by encouraging the completion of privatisation in order to eliminate state subsidies and create a level playing field for British companies.