§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many meetings the senior executives at GOSE and SEEDA had with(a) management and (b) workforce at ASW Sheerness since 11 July 2002 to discuss its future; [81075]
(2) what representations she has received from (a) the Chairman and CEO of SEEDA and (b) the GOSE management on the future of ASW Sheerness since 11 July 2002; [81092]
(3) how many meetings the senior executives at GOSE and SEEDA have had with KPMG as receivers for ASW Sheerness since 11 July 2002. [81074]
§ Alan Johnson[holding answer 18 November 2002]: Since ASW went into administrative receivership on 11 July 2002, the Chief Executive and senior officials from SEEDA and GOSE have remained in close touch with my Department on the future of the company.
While the company was in the hands of the receiver, KPMG, the DTI has led the contact with the receiver and in these contacts has taken fully into account the representations it has received from SEEDA and GOSE. During this time efforts made at a regional level by partners have concentrated on planning an appropriate response once the receivers have made a decision.
§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial help she can offer to ensure all of ASW Sheerness mills are kept on site. [81093]
§ Alan Johnson[holding answer 18 November 2002]: The rules governing aid to the steel industry are embodied in the European Commission Multi-Sectoral Framework on state aid and commission communications on rescue, restructuring and closure aid. These rules prohibit the provision of rescue and restructuring aid to steel companies.