§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Industry what account has been taken of the National Enterprise Board's corporate plans in establishing the ceiling on the amount of Government funds, whether by way of advances from the National Loans Fund or public dividend capital, which the Board has received in each of the last three years.
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§ Mr. Les HuckfieldIt was stated in the White Paper "Public Expenditure to 1979-80" Cmnd. 6393, that the provision for the Board was arbitrary and subject to review. This reflected the inherent uncertainties of industrial investment. Close regard has since been had to the public expenditure implications of the Board's corporate plans, but because the uncertainties are inherent, the provision on the Board has not had a ceiling.
§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many corporate plans have been prepared and revised by the National Enterprise Board as part of the annual planning cycle with his Department; on what dates such plans and revisions were submitted to his Department; and if he will list the principal topics covered therein.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe Board has prepared two corporate plans covering its activities other than BL and Rolls-Royce—which are dealt with separately. These plans, for 1977–81 and for 1978–82, were submitted to my Department on 30 November 1977 and on 13 November 1978 respectively. My right hon. Friend made a statement about the 1977-81 plan on 1 August 1978,—[Vol. 955 c. 185–6]. I have nothing to add to that. The 1978-82 plan is under detailed discussion between the Board and my Department. The principal topics covered by the plan are the progress made by the Board; the financial implications of the plan; current policy issues; a corporate action programme; and sectoral strategies.