HC Deb 16 January 1978 vol 942 cc10-1
9. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he has given to the effect on employment in Wales of the continuing crisis in British Leyland.

Mr. John Morris

There are four British Leyland plants in Wales. Many other firms supply components to the vehicle industry. The future level of employment in these plants, as elsewhere in the United Kingdom, will depend on the efforts being made to put the company on a long-term viable commercial footing.

Mr. Grist

Does the Secretary of State agree that the problem is that, even if British Leyland is to survive, it will be only on the grounds of massively increased productivity which will in turn lead to certain redundancies?

Mr. Morris

That is a question primarily for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry. I am sure that the hon. Member will find it encouraging to know that the Rover works at Cardiff has increased both its capacity and the work force and will, I understand, be taking on further employees shortly.

Forward to