HC Deb 15 January 1979 vol 960 cc1302-3
6. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress has been made in implementing sector working party recommendations ; and if he will make a statement on the industrial strategy.

Mr. Varley

The Government have taken many steps in support of the industrial strategy, taking particular account of sector working party reports. For example, since the launching of the industrial strategy and the establishment of sector working parties, 16 schemes of assistance have been brought into existence, the latest being one to encourage the application of microprocessors, with an allocation of £55 million. So far, assistance under these schemes has brought forward investment projects costing about £1,130 million in total. The Government remain fully committed to the objectives of the industrial strategy.

Mr. Roberts

Does my right hon. Friend accept that there is great apreciation on both sides of industry for the efforts that the Government have made in support of their industrial strategy, but that there is a slight feeling that there is a need for wider Government support to make sure that many of the recommendations are carried out speedily?

Mr. Varley

That is the view of many people, including members of the National Economic Development Council. There is no doubt that useful analyses have been carried out and that the process will have to continue. Schemes have been brought into existence despite all the discouragement of the Opposition and the way they talk down all the achievements that have been made. My hon. Friend is right in suggesting that we must carry that strategy and analysis down to the level of firms, and we intend to do that.

Mr. Adley

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is something faintly ridiculous about a Question such as this? The country is grinding to a halt, and there is anarchy on the picket lines, and all that we can talk about are industrial strategies. All that we have are words, words, words. If the right hon. Gentleman wants to do something with words, why does he not recognise that the best industrial strategy might be a conversion of the election slogan: You Know Labour Government Works "?

Mr. Varley

There is always something faintly ridiculous about the hon. Gentleman.