§ 15. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Industry what Government assistance has been given to Plessey Ltd. for the most recent convenient 10-year period.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. John MacGregor)The assistance provided by the Department of Industry to Plessey Ltd. over the period 1971 to 1981 is £25 million.
§ Mr. DalyellCan we be given an assurance that the Department of Industry, the Scottish Economic Planning Council and the Scottish Development Agency will give every possible help to the phoenix that may arise from Plessey, Bathgate?
§ Mr. MacGregorThe hon. Gentleman knows that responsibility for some aspects of the matter that he raises lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. However, I can tell him that the Scottish Development Agency is having discussions with both Plessey and the management group that is seeking to buy part of the Bathgate business from Plessey. The Scottish Office and the Department of Industry are ready to consider financial assistance to any viable operation that could preserve employment in Bathgate.
§ Mr. StokesDoes my hon. Friend agree that Plessey Ltd. has been outstandingly successful, compared with many other firms that have received taxpayers' money?
§ Mr. MacGregorI entirely agree with my hon. Friend.