§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with the Greater London Authority with regard to the future of the Ford Dagenham plant; and what plans he has for future discussions. [125611]
§ Mr. Alan Johnson[holding answer 12 June 2000]My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry discussed the future of the Dagenham plant directly with the mayor both before and after Ford's announcement on 12 May. A representative of the Greater London Authority also attends the fortnightly meetings on the regeneration of Dagenham and the Thames Gateway organised by my Department and involving other Government Departments, local councils and regeneration bodies, TUC and Ford. My right hon. Friend and I intend to remain in close contact with the mayor, the Greater London Authority and the London development agency.