§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the supply of steel in the UK for manufacturing industries. [167188]
§ Jacqui SmithGlobal steel prices have risen sharply in recent months as a result of rising input costs and market demand. This is causing difficulties for certain steel using industries where they have limited scope for passing on the increased cost to customers. There have been reports of tightness in the steel supply market, with imports to the EU reduced, but I understand that all types of steel remain available, although prices are high. There is no shortage of supply from UK steel producers.