§ 7. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the future prospects for the tractor manufacturers in the United Kingdom, in view of recent closures and cutbacks by tractor manufacturers.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. John Wakeham)The United Kingdom industry is heavily dependent on exports, and prospects for manufacturers in the immediate future will continue to be influenced by the world-wide recession, which has depressed demand for tractors in the major overseas markets.
§ Mr. DalyellIf International Harvester at Doncaster, Massey-Ferguson at Coventry and perhaps Ford go to Europe, if David Brown cuts down and if the tractor line at Bathgate is cannibalised, where will people who wish to buy British-made tractors find them?
§ Mr. WakehamThe hon. Gentleman is perhaps a touch gloomy. The Agriculture Engineers Association is expecting a modest growth in the United Kingdom market in 1982.
§ Mr. DalyellAnswer the question.
§ Mr. WakehamThe overseas markets are not under our control, and 50 per cent. of the capacity is unused. It is overseas markets that have to improve.
§ Dr. MawhinneyDoes my hon. Friend agree that a thriving tractor market depends on a thriving diesel engine market?
§ Mr. WakehamIndeed, it does, but the overseas markets for both have to improve.