Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Pursglove Excerpts

Wednesday 6th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Anna Soubry]

As I have said, the report is very good, and it is critical for everyone to work together. The Scottish Parliament now has more devolved powers specifically to address the problems of gender equality, which, of course, includes any disadvantage for women.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

10. What assessment he has made of the future prospects for the steel industry in Scotland.

[The Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise (Anna Soubry)]

I was delighted to be present at the Dalzell plant in April for the handover of that plant and Clydebridge from Tata to the Liberty Group. I think that if we continue the excellent process of working together, the prospects for the steel industry in Scotland must be good, and I am going to be positive about its future.

[Tom Pursglove]

I thank the Minister for that encouraging answer. What discussions is she having with the First Minister and with other Departments to ensure that the Scottish steel industry receives all the help and support that it needs?

[Anna Soubry]

We work together hand in glove, which I think is very important. It is also important to note that the Steel Council, which the Government established, contains a number of representatives of both the Scottish and the Welsh Governments. Together, we can ensure that throughout the United Kingdom we have a strong and sustainable steel industry.