§ 3. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he last met the chairmen of the nationalised industries for which he is the sponsoring authority.
§ The Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. Eric G. Varley)I regularly meet the Chairmen of the Post Office and the British Steel Corporation.
§ Mr. McCrindleHas the Secretary of State had his attention drawn to the growing discontent among senior executives of nationalised industries over pay and conditions, leading to the formation of a group to press for improvement in these matters at the earliest possible moment? Can he tell us whether he will support these complaints in discussions with the Chancellor in order to restore incentives, not only for executives of nationalised industries but for those of private industries as well?
§ Mr. VarleyIt has not escaped my attention that the executives of the nationalised industries are disturbed about pay and conditions and about remuneration generally. We are considering the matter.
§ Mr. GryllsWill the Secretary of State speak to the Chairman of British Leyland, which is to all intents and purposes a nationalised industry, and ask him to look again at the viability of the replacement programme for the Mini? Will he ask him whether the money would not be better spent on developing the successful parts of Leyland rather than on this new project, because it is very late in the day to have a new Mini car?
§ Mr. VarleyI understand that the hon. Member is writing to me about the Mini programme. This has been considered by the British Leyland board, the National Enterprise Board the Industrial Development Advisory Board and my Department. We think it is necessary for the programme to go ahead, and that is why we have come to that decision.