§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what action has been taken by the Government in response to any recommendations made by the National Economic Development Organisation Industrial Strategy Rubber Processing Working Party.
§ Mr. CryerThe Rubber Processing Sector Working Party (SWP) has so far concentrated on developing a strategy for the tyre industry. It will study the general rubber goods sector later this year. The SWP's report to the National Economic Development Council in February made interim recommendations for improving the United Kingdom's performance in world tyre markets, but the report stressed that the SWP still had important work to complete. In view of this the SWP felt that it would be premature to publish the report at this stage. The Government, in considering their policy 655W towards this industry, will bear the SWP's report closely in mind.