Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Thursday, 17 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 June 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 24 June 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the future of UK steel production and US tariffs on UK steel.

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the future of UK steel production and US tariffs on UK steel. [180060] Jacqui Smith: The overall prospects for UK steel production look encouraging. According to the Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau, UK steel production rose by 4.9 per cent. in March 2004 and by 7.2 per cent. to reach 3.3 million tonnes for the first quarter of 2004. The UK monthly total was the second highest in over two years. World demand is strong largely as a result of the expansion of the Chinese economy. In terms of the UK steel market, the most recent CBI Business Survey shows manufacturing in a more positive light with output expected to increase over the next three months at its fastest pace since 1999. I am pleased that following a ruling of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, which was subsequently confirmed by an Appeal Panel, President Bush removed safeguard tariffs on steel on 4 December 2003.

Secondary information