Ministry of Defence to buy more British steel suggests government minister

Wales
Tuesday 12 April 2016 at 3:35pm

Ministers are set to announce moves to include more British steel in defence projects amid an industry crisis, Business Secretary Sajid Javid has hinted.

Mr Javid said Defence Procurement Minister Philip Dunne could make an announcement "in the coming days" on Ministry of Defence acquisition of British steel.

And potential Government "co-investment" with a commercial buyer in Tata Steel's largest plant in Port Talbot could involve taking on some of the business's debts, Mr Javid added.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid at Port Talbot. Credit: PA

During an emergency debate on the steel crisis forced by Labour, Mr Javid fielded numerous questions from MPs.

Labour's Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty called for more action on defence procurement, prompting the Business Secretary to suggest the Government would announce plans soon.

Asked by Labour's Geraint Davies (Swansea West) whether the Government would "socialise" Tata's pension fund, Mr Javid said: "We are looking at all possible solutions."