THE House of Commons was yesterday told that management of ailing steel firm Corus were "on parole" following publication of its plans for the future of the Teesside works.

Ashok Kumar, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP, told fellow politicians that Corus had embarked on a "high risk" strategy for its North-East operations.

About 3,000 steel workers on Teesside face an uncertain future after management of the Anglo-Dutch producer announced that other areas of the group would supply steel to finishing sites.

Teesside will now have to sell its products on the open market to keep its operations alive.

Mr Kumar said: "The Corus plans - which envisage the Teesside works being barred from supplying Corus's internal demand for steel slab, and being forced to sell their product on the open market - are, I believe, high risk.

"I have had the benefit of a meeting with Corus's local management and, even after that, I think there are still more questions than answers.

"However, I am prepared to give Corus a chance if they are open and honest with both their workforce and the wider Teesside community over their plans and strategy, and can demonstrate that they are coherent and have a chance of success.

"I do think that they have to consider the options for some kind of strategic alliance or joint venture with other international steelmakers or bulk steel consumers, but this is something that has to be prepared for carefully.

"The key message is that Corus's bosses are on parole, and they have to convince us that they are sincere in their plans for Teesside. If they dither or renege on these plans then, quite simply, a wave of anger will engulf Teesside."