Steel Industry Debate

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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick

Main Page: Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour - Life peer)

Steel Industry

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts
Thursday 26th May 2016

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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The hon. Lady rightly refers to the hard work of the steelworkers—those in the industry now and those who have worked for it in the past—in this pension scheme. It is absolutely right that we listen to the trustees and see whether there is anything that the Government can do to bring about a better outcome. That is why we have announced the consultation. I am sure that when the hon. Lady has had time to go through it in detail, we will be able to speak further about the best way to take that forward.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Portrait Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP)
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What consideration have the Government given to the impact that steel industry problems will have on the manufacturing industry and the economy across these islands and particularly in Northern Ireland, where rolled steel and other products are imported through Warrenpoint harbour and docks in my constituency?

Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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The hon. Lady highlights the importance of the steel industry to manufacturing in the UK, whether it is our auto industry or our aerospace industry, and to the infrastructure needs of this country. That is one reason why we are doing everything we can to help.