§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether at his next meeting with the National Economic Development Council chairmen he will be addressing them on the subject of quality assurance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Geoffrey Howe[pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1981]: Following earlier discussions in the National Economic Development Council, of which I am chairman, NEDO organised a conference on quality and competitiveness which was held on 24 November. The conference was attended by representatives of industry, trade unions and various organisations who are active in this field, and by virtually all members of the National Economic Development Council, which demonstrates the importance all parties attach to the need to improve the quality performance and competitiveness of British companies.
We shall be discussing the main lessons of the conference and how they may be followed up at the December and January meetings of the National Economic Development Council. Our aim will be to ensure that the need for improved quality is given prominence in the future work of the Economic Development Council's and sector working party's.