HC Deb 18 March 2003 vol 401 c695W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Corus regarding the UK steel industry; and what support and assistance she can provide to the UK steel sector. [103859]

Alan Johnson

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had a number of discussions with senior management of Corus to discuss its current difficulties. She met Corus board members on 18 March when she again stressed the need for them to develop a workable solution which will return the company to profitability. We must await the outcome of commercial discussions.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact she estimates the present difficulties in the UK steel industry will have on production for military contracts. [103860]

Alan Johnson

It is considered that the UK steel industry will not have any difficulty fulfilling contracts.