§ 2. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he received from trade unions during his consultations before his recent announcement of financial assistance to Lucas Aerospace.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Industry (Mr. Gerald Kaufman)Discussions with the trade unions on the situation at Lucas Aerospace have taken place on a number of occasions recently.
§ Mr. RookerWill the Minister offer congratulations to the workers in Lucas Aerospace on the breakthrough they achieved last week in the discussions with the company on the corporate plan? Will he now seek to honour the commitment he gave to Labour Members to examine any proposal from the confederation now that that body has called for an inquiry into the role of the Department of Industry in the last two years when it has done nothing to help these workers?
§ Mr. KaufmanI am grateful for my hon. Friend's warm statement since it was partly through my initiative that lay representatives took part in the meeting on 29th June. Therefore, I hope that my hon. Friend will reconsider his latter rather uncharacteristically harsh words. Having said that, I wish to emphasise that if the confederation comes forward with plans or asks for a tripartite meeting, its proposals will be considered. Indeed, I have already told the confederation that, if it wants a tripartite meeting, the Government will convene it.
§ Mr. PavittIn the representations made by Lucas workers in my area, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the inner city problems that beset Harlesden, and also remember that the kidney machines made by Lucas are also made in my area and that there is the possibility of an extension along those lines for extra work?
§ Mr. KaufmanMy hon. Friend, with his great knowledge of these matters, draws attention to the fact that Lucas already makes kidney machines—something that is being demanded by the combine committee as a development which has not so far taken place. I shall take account of my hon. Friend's remarks.