Business, Innovation and Skills written question – answered at on 17 June 2011.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his Department's policy is on support for the steel pipe industry; and if he will make a statement.
We recognise the vital role that the UK steel pipe industry plays in the supply chain in the UK, supplying steel to a range of key industries which underpin many parts of manufacturing. High technology industries like oil, gas and chemicals require high value continually improving steel pipe products.
We work closely with the steel industry, including the steel pipe sector, to minimise unnecessary regulatory burdens by involving the sector in discussions on regulatory policy and other issues that impact on them, for example on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, energy costs and supply, climate change and environmental protection. Our aim is to avoid unintended consequences and harness the sector's many creative ideas for alternative, lighter touch approaches.
Any Government support for the steel pipe industry needs to meet the requirements in the EC state aid rules which only permit support for research and development (R and D), environmental protection and training within specified limits.
For example, the steel pipe industry has opportunities to participate in collaborative R and D projects funded by the Technology Strategy Board and the EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel.
In addition, UK Trade and Investment has an ongoing and active programme of support for the UK manufacturing sector, including the steel industry, in partnership with numerous stakeholders. This includes organising UK groups at overseas trade shows, leading targeted trade missions and bringing potential buyers and decision-makers to the UK to see our manufacturing capability first-hand.
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No0 people think not
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