Regional Policy

Answer: Yes, I have. My hon. Friend is right. He puts his finger on what is probably the largest single industrial problem facing our region. The situation at Corus is well understood by officials in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and by the regional economic development agency. I am in regular contact, through officials, with both the management and the trade unions at Corus. Absolutely every idea that could be explored through the Government, to help Corus get through this very difficult situation, has been explored. My understanding of the current situation is that there is sufficient work for the plant until the end of October, with the prospect of further orders. Discussions between the parent company, the plant management and the trade union side continue. We are working very closely to try to help not just the plant—that would be justified in itself—but the community to get through what is going to be a very difficult time.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Friday, 25 September 2009 by Ashok Kumar (Labour).

Question: Has the Minister discussed the future of the steel industry in the north-east? Given the difficulty that we are facing, involving nearly 2,000 jobs directly and 20,000 jobs overall, what discussions has he had with the chair of One NorthEast, and has he explored the possibility of giving state aid for laid-off staff in support of short-time working? It is a policy we need to explore. We cannot run away from it. Some European countries are supporting the steel industry. Has he had any discussions on the matter?

Secondary information