Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Craig Tracey

Thursday 7th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ms Ghani]

A number of the issues that the hon. Gentleman raises are fundamentally locally. We work closely with Mayor Ben Houchen, who has done a remarkable amount of work for his part of the country. The reality is that the steel sector was placed in an area of uncertainty for some time. We were able to provide support for Tata, which has ensured that the steelworks continue at Port Talbot. We provided the largest grant ever made available to steel, and we are now in conversation with British Steel. That is what it means to have a long- term steel strategy to ensure that steelmaking continues here in the UK.

[Craig Tracey (North Warwickshire) (Con)]

3. What steps her Department is taking to support small and medium-sized enterprises through the Small Business Council.