Written question asked by Ian Swales (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 November 2010. It was answered by Mark Prisk (Conservative) on Monday, 29 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Teesside Cast Products

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) meetings and (b) discussions his Department has had with representatives of SSI Ltd on its proposed purchase of Tata Steel Europe's Teesside Cast Products business.

Answer: On 8 November I met with Win Viriyaprapaikit, President of Sahaviriya Steel Industries public company limited (SSI).In addition, since the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding on the potential sale of Teesside Cast Products was announced on 27 August, the British embassy in Bangkok has had a number of discussions with SSI officials. The new UK ambassador has subsequently met with Mr Viriyaprapaikit here in the UK on 29 October and in Bangkok on 16 November. The ambassador will also be accompanying the Thai Minister for Foreign Affairs on a visit to Teesside Cast Products on 27 November.Furthermore BIS officials held an introductory meeting with representatives of SSI and their consultants on 26 October and have continued to maintain contact with them as necessary.

Secondary information