HC Deb 20 December 1979 vol 976 cc325-6W
Mr. Bidwell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the British tyre-making industry is equipped to satisfy the internal market and to play the role in industry to keep a British presence in exports.

Mr. David Mitchell

The industry's continuing international trade surplus reflects its ability to serve both domestic and overseas markets. I recognise, however, that the industry is facing very real problems in both the domestic and international markets and that this has recently necessitated some difficult decisions by companies rationalising their production.