§ Mr. Sedgemoreasked the Secretary of State for Industry what requests he has had from the motor industry for help in respect of shortages of components or supplies resulting from the three-day week; and when he expects this industry to be back on full production.
§ Mr. MeacherThere was frequent contact between the motor industry and my Department through the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders during the period of restricted working and particularly with Ford and BLMC. Inquiries made last week by the SMMT indicate that both vehicle and component manufacturers feel that it is not yet possible to make any forecast of output levels with any degree of confidence. However, the major component manufacturers estimated that during the week 11th-15th March output would range from 75 per cent. to 100 per cent. of normal working, with a further improvement during the week 18th-22nd March in the case of companies that are not yet back to normal working levels. The industry, which made great efforts to maintain production during the emergency, is continuing these efforts in order to regain full production as soon as possible.