Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Manufacturing

Wednesday 16 December 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government provided 30 million in loans and over 2 billion in direct support to businesses in Wales.
  • A 10-point plan mobilizing 12 billion in investment was launched to support manufacturing.
  • Regular conversations are held within government to ensure value-for-money procurement and tap into the UK's strong supply chain.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Geraint Davies Lab
Wales Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Welsh steel industry is facing significant challenges due to delays in the Brexit deal and the pandemic, resulting in job losses and production shifts.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to support the manufacturing industry in Wales, especially considering the impact of Brexit and the pandemic on companies like Airbus which has lost 1,400 jobs?

Answer from Simon Hart

The Government has provided substantial support including £30 million loans and over £2 billion in direct support to businesses, along with a 10-point plan mobilising £12 billion investment. We have had robust exchanges with affected companies like Airbus and Celsa, rescuing jobs at the beginning of the pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to pressing the Chancellor for a sector-specific strategy or using long-term borrowing for recovery

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Q2 Geraint Davies Lab
Business & Trade
Context

The Shotton steel plant produces high-quality products, but the industry needs concrete action beyond words. The Prime Minister has promised support for UK steel in infrastructure projects.

Question

Given that the PM has said UK steel producers will be prioritised in future infrastructure projects, why hasn't the Government set procurement targets yet? We need more than just warm words and blame shifting towards Europe.

Answer from Simon Hart

We have been making significant strides in procurement and will continue to do so post-transition, without blaming others. Regular conversations are held within government to ensure value-for-money procurement that taps into the strong supply chain in the UK.

Not addressed: Did not address setting procurement targets for steel production

How: Did Not Blame Europe, Regular Conversations

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Q3 Mark Tami Lab Alyn and Deeside
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The Shotton plant is a leading producer but needs specific government measures for long-term recovery post-pandemic.

Question

After the Prime Minister's promise of prioritising UK steel in infrastructure projects, why are there no set targets or concrete action? Please provide more than just warm words and avoid blaming external factors like Europe.

Answer from Simon Hart

We have been making big strides in procurement, including regular discussions with Welsh Government on tapping into the strong supply chain without blaming others or Europe. We aim for value-for-money and long-term sustainability.

Not addressed: Did not commit to setting specific procurement targets

How: No Blame Shifting, Regular Discussions

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