HC Deb 14 June 1977 vol 933 c206
2. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what would be the effect on employment in the British car industry if the new Mini project for British Leyland were not proceeded with.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. John Grant)

As my hon. Friend will be aware, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry told the House on 26th May that the Government had authorised the National Enterprise Board to allow a resumption of work on the programme, which it has now done.

Mr. Hoyle

Does my hon. Friend agree that this was a wise decision by the Government and that it is time that millionaire Press proprietors and unscrupulous and inefficient editors got off the backs of the Leyland management and workers and allowed them to get on with their job of making British Leyland viable?

Mr. Grant

There is nothing in my hon. Friend's remarks with which I disagree. It was certainly a wise decision by the NEB and the Government to endorse the new programme.