§ 4. Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for Industry when next he will meet the chairman of British Leyland.
§ 15. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he plans to meet the chairman of British Leyland
§ Sir Keith JosephI see the chairman of British Leyland as frequently as is necessary.
§ Mr. DurantWhen the Secretary of State meets the chairman of British Leyland, will he discuss with him the joint venture with Honda, particularly in relation to component manufacturers, who are obviously concerned to see that they have a fair share in the whole deal?
§ Sir K. JosephIt is not my policy to interfere with the management of British Leyland, but I shall certainly make sure that the chairman sees the comment of my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. ParkIs it the Government's clear intention to continue their support of British Leyland, in view of the impact this will have on the West Midlands, and Coventry in particular?
§ Sir K. JosephThe future of British Leyland depends upon the combined efforts of its management and work force.
§ Mr. John SilkinMay I first offer the Secretary of State my congratulations on his appointment. I should like to press him further on the answer that he has just given. As British Leyland is the largest overseas currency earner in the United Kingdom, and the jobs of nearly 1 million people are directly or indirectly dependent upon its success, will he reconsider his answer and assure the House 5 that the investment programme which obtained under the Labour Government will continue in the future?
§ Sir K. JosephI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his courtesy. He and I have crossed swords before, and I am sure that we shall have lively exchanges during this Parliament. I do not see that there is any need for me to qualify my answer. After all, it is the answer which the right hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friends have given in the past, and we intend to adhere to it.