3. Mr. Chapman asasked the President of the Board of Trade what further consideration he has now given to the request of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions that the Governments 2182 should institute a complete inquiry into the state of the British motor industry; and what decision he can now announce.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 10th May to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson).
§ Mr. ChapmanDoes that mean that the President disregards the pressure of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, representing well over a million workers, the grave and deteriorating export position of this industry, and the persistence of mass redundancy right through the summer? Does he disregard all those things in the case of this industry, and is he proposing to do nothing? Will he at least call a meeting of both sides, leading trade unionists and leading manufacturers, under his own auspices, for a frank exchange of views on the whole situation?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThis Question asked whether I would have a roving inquiry into the motor industry. That industry is composed of a number of individual manufacturers who are in keen competition, both between themselves and with overseas suppliers. I really do not think that a roving inquiry by Whitehall would improve that situation. At the same time, I have communicated that decision to the general secretary of the Confederation, and I told him that, if he wishes, and against that background, I would, of course, be happy to see him.