§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the percentage increase of public expenditure in constant values on financial assistance to industry under Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972 in each year since 1972; and what has been the percentage change in the overall level of investment in manufacturing industry in the same years.
§ Mr. CryerThe percentage increase in public expenditure under Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972, for the years 1972–77, and the percentage change in the level of investment in manufacturing-industry for the same period are as follows:
§ 23. Mr. Sedgemoreasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in his Department's discussions with the Lucas Aerospace management, there are any plans for the closure or rundown of the Lucas Aerospace plant in Luton.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldMy Department's discussions with Lucas Aerospace, in the light of the company's rationalisation proposals, are concentrating on the range of regional incentives available in the assisted areas. I understand that the companys proposals do not affect Luton.
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§ 25. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry if his Department met the management and agreed to the recent announcement of redundancies at Lucas Aerospace before having made any approach to the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions.
§ Mr. KaufmanRepresentatives of the company's management advised the Department of their proposals for the reorganisation of Lucas Aerospace on 14th March. I immediately asked management representatives to come and see me and stressed the importance of their consulting with the CSEU and the workforce in advance of making any decisions. There was never any question of the Department's approval being granted for redundancies, even if sought, which it was not.
§ 26. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to support the work of the Lucas Aerospace workers in the formulation of their corporate plan.
§ Mr. KaufmanIssues relating to Lucas Aerospace are being discussed between the management and the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions. If either party believes that my intervention would be of assistance, I shall be glad to consider what help I can provide.