AN MP will call for a "Minister for Manufacturing" in a speech to steel bosses at the weekend.

Ashok Kumar, the Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, will make the demand during the annual conference of the Steel Industry Managers' Association in Chester.

Mr Kumar, a member of SIMA since his time working at British Steel's technology centre, on Teesside, will emphasise the need for a minister to speak up for one of the most potentially profitable sectors of industry.

He said: "The call for a minister for manufacturing is based on the need that I see for a Cabinet 'champion' for manufacturing.

"Sectors such as farming, small businesses and science already have dedicated ministers, and I feel the fact that there is no one to speak specifically for industry has contributed to an atmosphere where the short-term views of the finance sector seem to count for more than the needs of the real wealth creators in our society - manufacturers."

Mr Kumar said his speech will touch on a number of issues, including the state of the steel industry and entry into the European Single Currency.

He added: "Given the vital role of manufacturing on Teesside - from steel to electronics through to chemicals - this suggestion could go a long way towards helping local businesses to get the ear of the real decision makers in Whitehall."