HC Deb 07 February 1977 vol 925 cc583-4W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Industry in accordance with clause 8, sub-clause 1 of the 5th January agreement, with Chrysler, he will publish the names of the two persons nominated by him as directors of Chrysler (United Kingdom) Ltd.; what was the date of their appointment; and what are the specific duties which they undertake.

Mr. Alan Williams

Mr. C. C. C. Birch was appointed to the Board of Chrysler United Kingdom Limited on 31st March 1976. He has not been asked to assume an executive function. A further appointment of another Government-nominated director who has trade union experience will be announced shortly.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish and make available in the Library as specified in the agreement with Chrysler of 5th January 1976 clause 6, sub-clause 6, the audited balance sheet and profit and loss account.

Mr. Alan Williams

The annual report of Chrysler (United Kingdom) Limited containing this information will be available later this year. The company secrettary will be pleased to send a copy to the hon. Member on request.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in accordance with the agreement with Chrysler of 5th January 1976 clause 9 sub-clause 7, he has at any time during the contract period permitted Chrysler (United Kingdom) Limited to make any substantial alteration to the general nature of the assisted business as carried on during 1975; and, if so, what specific alterations have taken place.

Mr. Alan Williams

No substantial alteration has been made to the general nature of the assisted business. My Department monitors closely all variations from the product plans and volume forecasts on which the 5th January 1976 agreement was based.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will elucidate the meaning of the term "arm's length basis" as specified in the agreement of 5th January 1976 clause 7, sub-clause 10, with Chrysler with reference to the disclosure of the transfer of products and charges for services between companies in the Chrysler (United Kingdom) Group and other companies in the Chrysler Corporation Group.

Mr. Alan Williams

For the purposes of the agreement, "arm's length basis" is taken to mean that the two parties engaging in a commercial transaction are free to reach agreement on the terms of this transaction without constraint arising from common membership of a group of companies.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish and make available in the Library as specified in the agreement with Chrysler of 5th January 1976, clause 6, sub-clause 5, the quarterly accounts of the Chrysler (United Kingdom) Group.

Mr. Alan Williams

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.