Corus Take Over

9.46.43am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 31st Jan 2007

Commenting on the news that Indian firm Tata Steel has won the battle to take over steelmaker Corus, Welsh Liberal Democrat Enterprise, Innovation and Networks spokesperson, Kirsty Williams said: "I hope that this take over marks the beginning of a new period of stability for Corus workers and their families."

"What we need is an urgent reassurance from Tata that it intends to keep all jobs at Port Talbot and the other UK sites. We will also need a commitment that the workers pension fund continues to be properly resourced. I will be asking the Enterprise Minister here at the Assembly to make a statement on these issues as soon as possible, as there is an urgent need for clarity and reassurance for the workers."

Notes:

· India's Tata Steel out-bid Brazil's CSN for Corus at an auction held overnight last night. The deal will create the world's fifth largest steel group.

· Corus employs 24,000 people in the UK, at sites including Rotherham, Scunthorpe and Port Talbot.