Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when the UK last had the steel production capability to supply all the types of steel necessary for the deterrent submarine programme; and what steps they plan to take to re-establish that capability.

United Kingdom (UK) submarine steel requirements continue to be sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This reflects the need to source specific grades of steel, not all of which are available in the UK, and ensures competitive procurement in terms of cost, time and quality. The types of steel produced in the UK is a commercial decision for our steel manufacturers.