THE demise of the UK steel industry is not surprising, bearing in mind the majority of cars, vans and lorries are made and brought from abroad, particularly from Germany and France whose industry is managing quite well.

Only last week a local bus company proudly said their latest two coaches were made in China of all places! The majority of ambulances and emergency vehicles are made in Germany or France, which I think is a disgrace of the purchasing departments of the health service and other purchasing groups.

Furthermore we cannot build ships any more, which used vast amount of steel.

A new bridge is to be built alongside of the Forth bridge, the steel is being purchased (I am told) from Poland and China.

As we do not make any white goods either, why do we subsidise a steel industry when no-one buys their product.

It is down to the government to help protect our manufacturing, as Germany does, and not allow foreign companies to buy it and move it abroad for manufacture. Also UK residents need to buy British products and support our industries.

G M Staley, Sarisbury Green