Shipbuilding: Use of British Steel for Royal Navy

Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Jones of Cheltenham

Tuesday 30th November 2021 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

Of course, the noble Lord makes a good point: it would be great if ships could be made from British steel. However, as I said earlier, the steel required for the ships being built—both the surface ships and submarines—is highly specialised. He will know that, for example, the fixed steel required for submarine hulls is made in France with Industeel. The steel for the surface ships is there for the UK steel industry, but at the moment it is sourced from abroad.

[Lord Jones of Cheltenham (LD) [V]]

Is the Minister aware of the issue of the procurement of steel for HS2, which was the subject of a Written Question I submitted recently? It appears that UK steelmakers were unable to supply the appropriate high-quality steel to the necessary timescale, so the order went to a French company. Are the Government confident that UK steelmakers have the capacity to fulfil orders for the steel needed for these vessels? What are they doing to promote joined-up thinking in government-sponsored projects such as these new ships and HS2?

Chinese Products and Companies: Human Rights Violations

Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Jones of Cheltenham

Tuesday 20th July 2021 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

I alluded earlier to the named people affected by the sanctions system, which is ongoing and working. On 12 January, the Foreign Secretary announced the series of measures to which I alluded, which includes a review of export controls to make sure that we are doing all that we can to prevent the export of goods that may contribute to human rights violations.

[Lord Jones of Cheltenham (LD) [V]]

Last week, President Biden released formal guidance for US businesses operating in Hong Kong following the increased restriction of freedoms as a result of the national security law. When will the UK Government issue similar guidance?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

The UK has no plans at the moment to issue guidance but I am very aware of the United States export administration regulations, which contain a list of the foreign entities, including businesses, that are subject to specific licence requirements.