MP calls for long-term steel investment at Port Talbot
21st February 2007
The MP for Aberavon, Dr Hywel Francis said in a House of Commons debate on the British Steel Industry that he welcomed the good work done in the run-up to the Tata takeover of Corus by the Corus management in securing a good deal for its employees for the immediate future, including resolving the employee pension fund issue and trade union representation and consultation arrangements.
Dr Francis went on to call for long-term steel investment at Port Talbot and all other British steel plants and for the Government to take a lead in encouraging this.
Dr Francis said,
'….. the key factor is the positive role of our Government in the changeover period. The industry is rightly praised for the success in terms of productivity improvements year on year- they are much better than for any other part of the British economy. Both the management and the unions should be proud of that, and I am sure that the Government recognise that.'
Dr Francis added by saying that recent comments by Government Minister, Ian McCartney were a welcome commitment on the part of the Government recognising that steel is of strategic importance to the British economy.
Dr Francis concluded by calling for specific investment at Port Talbot:
'it needs a modest investment of £240 million in the finishing end to ensure that the necessary efficiency and the maximum output of 5 million tonnes can be achieved.'
Notes for Editors: Dr Hywel Francis is the Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee.
