Rolls-Royce Ltd.

HC Deb 28 January 1980 vol 977 cc918-9

14. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to meet the new chairman of Rolls-Royce Ltd.

Mr. Adam Butler

My right hon. Friend expects to meet the new chairman shortly.

Mr. Whitehead

When that meeting takes place what will the Secretary of State tell Rolls-Royce Ltd., and, indeed, other leading British exporters, about the availability of steel in the coming months? How will he explain his lassitude in not intervening in the steel dispute?

Mr. Butler

If this matter arises, which it may do, doubtless the chairman of Rolls-Royce Ltd. will explain his difficulties, and I imagine that he will have explained them to British Steel Corporation. The hon. Gentleman points to yet another consequence for British industry if the strike continues for long.

Mr. Emery

How soon will the Minister be able to act upon the pledge that was given to me by the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1971, that the Government would encourage private investment in Rolls-Royce as soon as possible?

Mr. Butler

I hope that we shall not keep my hon. Friend waiting too long. At the moment I must confess that there are no immediate plans to do so.