HC Deb 12 December 1974 vol 883 cc759-60
Ql. Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech of the Secretary of State for Industry in London on industrial policy on 27th November represents Government policy.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Edward Short)

The Prime Minister is suffering from a minor viral infection and has been advised to cancel all his engagements for the next three days. I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Lamont

In view of some of the wilder statements made by the Secretary of State for Industry, may I ask the Leader of the House whether he is aware that there will be a certain relief, not perhaps shared by all Labour Members, that the Government have chosen to appoint as an industrial adviser someone as hard-headed and as experienced as Sir Don Ryder? In view of the apparent disagreement between the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Industry, will the Leader of the House say to whom Sir Don is ultimately responsible? Is it the Prime Minister or the Secretary of State?

Mr. Short

Sir Don Ryder is responsible to the Government. There is no dispute of any kind between my right hon. Friend and the Prime Minister— none whatever, as the hon. Gentleman will see when the Industry Bill is published in the near future.