Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Gainsborough, questioned ministers on the wisdom of possibly allowing the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe to shut.

"What major economy," Sir Edward asked, "does not have a blast furnace and the ability to make virgin steel?"

Responding to a further Written Question tabled by the Gainsborough MP, Minister of State Nusrat Ghani MP said that "almost all the G20 countries have operational blast furnaces."

"We know the importance of Scunthorpe," the Minister continued, "which is a key driver of economic growth. British Steel provides a third of all domestic production supplied to the construction and rail industries."

"We continue to be in negotiations to make sure that we secure the best deal, and one that is good value for taxpayers, when it comes to Scunthorpe."