Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

British Steel

Monday 5 July 2021 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to creating conditions for a competitive and sustainable steel industry
  • Government publishes future pipeline for steel requirements to enable better planning and bidding
  • 50% by value of steel for Type 26 frigates will come from the UK, equating to about 35% by tonnage per ship

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Defence Economy
Context

The question stems from a policy commitment to support the domestic steel industry, which is critical for national security and economic stability. The issue is prompted by concerns over the viability and competitiveness of UK steel manufacturers.

Question

If he will make it his policy to use British steel in future defence projects.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The Government are committed to creating the right conditions for a competitive and sustainable steel industry. We publish the future pipeline for steel requirements enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for contracts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on using British steel in defence projects is avoided

How: Creating Conditions, Publishing Pipeline

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Q2 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Defence Business & Trade
Context

The UK steel sector supports over 30,000 jobs, many in Sheffield. The Government has described the industry as 'vital'. Less than 30% of Type 26 frigate steel is being sold from the UK.

Question

The UK steel sector supports over 30,000 jobs, many of which are in Sheffield, my home town, and the Government have described the industry as “vital”. Can the Minister explain why less than 30% of Type 26 frigate steel is being sold from the UK? Will he support Labour's campaign to make, sell and buy more in Britain, starting with the steel procurement in his own Department?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I will happily explain that to the hon. Lady. I believe I am right in saying that 50% by total value of the steel for the Type 26s will be coming from the UK, which is about 35% of the tonnage, or 1,400 tonnes per ship. She is correct on her figures, but it is 50% by value. The difference in why we are not able to do more in part reflects the nature of the steel industry in the UK. Unfortunately, not all of the type of specialist steel that is required for defence equipment can be sourced within the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on supporting Labour's campaign and increasing domestic procurement is avoided

How: Explanation On Percentage, Nature Of Steel Industry

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