HC Deb 21 May 1979 vol 967 c686
14 Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has any plans to meet leaders of the British paper and board industry.

Mr. Parkinson

My Department has regular contacts with representatives of the industry, but I have no immediate plans to meet them.

Mr. Proctor

Can my hon. Friend inform the House what action the Government propose to take to ensure that continuous process industries in strategically important sectors such as paper and board are protected from shortages of heavy fuel and oil?

Mr. Parkinson

Oil supplies are a matter for the Secretary of State for Energy, but we are aware of the fine export record of the paper and board industry, which last year exported products worth more than £390 million. I shall convey my hon. Friend's concern to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.