HC Deb 21 March 1983 vol 39 cc522-3
4. Mr. Marlow

asked the Minister for Trade whether he will meet the organisers of the "Think British" campaign.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs (Dr. Gerard Vaughan)

I met the "Think British" council on 9 March. I shall be having regular meetings with it to discuss progress. I am also very willing to meet other bodies active in this subject.

Mr. Marlow

Does my hon. Friend agree with the "Think British" council that if the British consumer bought 4 per cent. more of his goods at home that would lead to an increase of 350,000 jobs? That being so, will my hon. Friend do all he can to help, in particular by moving further down the line of origin marking? Perhaps we could know when cars have been assembled overseas. Also, will my hon. Friend take urgent and fairly radical action to stop substandard imports into Britain?

Dr. Vaughan

As my hon. Friend knows, we are looking at the origin marking order and its implications. However, I take my hon. Friend's point about the contribution that thinking British can make to reducing unemployment and to supporting our industries. No doubt the House was pleased at the recent success of two British products—British Leyland's Metro and Maestro.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

In the latter part of his reply the Minister said that he would meet other interested people. Will he make a date with the director-general of the BBC, Mr. Alasdair Milne, who is supported by public funds, but who refuses to meet members of Parliament or to answer their letters? He has two large cars and he went to Germany to buy one of them out of public funds. Will the Minister get in touch with the BBC and ask it to think British, particularly in its overseas programmes when people laud to the hilt overseas firms, to the detriment of British buyers and firms?

Dr. Vaughan

No doubt the hon. Gentleman has made his views clear to the director-general of the BBC. As hon. Members know, I am in touch with several major organisations and public figures on such matters.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Morris, to ask the next question.

Mr. Beaumont-Dark

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Are there to be only one or two supplementary questions on this important issue?

Mr. Speaker

As long as the House gives me the responsibility, I shall decide.

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