§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent the agreement for Datsun to establish its factory in Great Britain has to be endorsed or reported to the European Economic Community; to what extent the French Government have made complaints concerning this matter; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitThere is no agreement for Datsun to establish a factory. Nissan has announced its intention, subject to a feasibility study, to establish a car manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom. This proposal has been warmly welcomed by the Government, who are prepared in principle to give it their approval and support. There is no requirement for the EEC Commission to be informed of, or to endorse, any such statement of intent; that remains the position should Nissan decide on the basis of its feasibility study to proceed with the investment. I have received no complaints from the French Government on this matter.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry what estimate he has made of the costs which will be incurred to public funds by the establishment of the Datsun company factory in Great Britain.
§ Mr. TebbitNone. Nissan has said it is looking for a site in a development or special development area and will thus qualify for regional assistance in the same way as any other firm. British or foreign, starting a new venture in such areas. An estimate of the assistance to which Nissan might be entitled would be impossible until the location was known and the Government were presented with a firm, costed project. It is much too early to consider such a matter.