Correspondence from Iain Wright MP, Chair, Business, Innovation and Skills Committee to Rt Hon Anna Soubry MP, Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (UKS 03)

Select Committee Evidence Session on UK Steel Industry

Following our evidence session on 27 October concerning the UK steel industry, I am writing to request further information on the following points:

Issues in the industry

•          What specific steps were taken to address the key challenges facing UK steel after meetings with the sector in May?

Energy prices and business rates

•          What progress has been made bringing the package of measures for energy intensive industries into effect?

•          What was the outcome of the Secretary of State's discussions in Brussels in the week of 27 October in relation to these issues and at the subsequent Competitiveness Council?

•          When will the Government introduce measures to reduce business rates for these companies?

Unfair trade practices

•          What were the specific outcomes of the Prime Minister's discussions about the steel industry during the recent visit of the Chinese President? How will these be acted on?

Support for workers affected by site closures

•          Can you provide a full breakdown of how the £80M support fund is being allocated? (How much to which projects and who are these projects aimed at?)

Procurement

•          Will Government adopt the Charter for Sustainable Steel?

•          What specific measures will the Government introduce to ensure that there are improved opportunities for UK steel to be successful in major UK procurement projects?

I look forward to your response. It would be helpful to have this by 11 November .

                            4 November 2015