HC Deb 19 July 1973 vol 860 cc195-6W
Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking, following the conference of employers, trade unionists, local authorities and the Government, on Friday 13th July, to improve the employment situation on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chataway

The object of the conference was to provide an opportunity for local authorities, trade unions, and management organisations to discuss how best to market the advantages of Merseyside. I understand that the new Metropolitan Merseyside County Council in advance of taking over responsibility in April 1974 will consult the five new

SALES OF THE 20 LARGEST PRODUCT GROUPS IN 1963 ACCOUNTED FOR BY FOREIGN-CONTROLLED ENTERPRISES
Sales by foreign-controlled enterprises
Product group Total sales £ million £ million As a percentage of total sales
Cigarettes … … … … 1,027 * *
Cars … … … … 642 * *
Beer … … … … 484 Nil Nil
Animal feeding stuffs … … … … 304 6.0 2
Commercial vehicles … … … … 292 * *
Organic chemicals … … … … 235 20.5 9
Paper, uncoated … … … … 229 3.2 1
Iron castings … … … … 228 26.6 12
Sugar … … … … 201 * *
Bread …… … … 183 * *
Inorganic chemicals … … … … 178 5.3 3
Aluminium and aluminium alloys … … … … 176 37.5 21
Man-made fibres … … … … 172 * *
Motor bodies … … … … 164 * *
Copper and copper manufactures … … … … 154 * *
Worsted yarn … … … … 153 * *
Cocoa products … … … … 147 * *
Whisky … … … … 142 * *
Pharmaceuticals … … … … 140 63.3 45
Men's and boys' tailored outerwear … … … … 137 * *
Source: 1963 census of production.
* Cannot be disclosed without breach of commercial confidence.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all those industries in which a single firm is believed to be responsible for one-third or more of production; and what proportion of total industrial production is represented by these industries.

Sir G. Howe

I regret that the information asked for is not available and could not be collected without undue expenditure of time and money.

district councils and consider the next steps.