HC Deb 12 May 1975 vol 892 cc47-8W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in the unpublished parts of the Ryder Report or from any other source, he is in possession of figures showing the direct and indirect man-hours involved in the production of any of the popular British Leyland models; and, if so, if he will publish the relevant figures.

Mr. Benn

Some information was provided in the Ryder Report, but it was excluded from the published version of the report on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make it a condition of continuing Government aid to British Leyland that measured performance standards are established with proper regard to the existing plant capacity and assembly facilities, and that labour is not employed in excess of the requirements of such standards.

Mr. Benn

My right hon. Friend's statement on 24th April outlined the basis on which the Government were prepared to provide assistance to British Leyland.—[Vol. 890, c. 1746.]

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the comments of the EEC Commission following its receipt of the Ryder Report on British Leyland.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has yet received a reply from the Euro- pean Commission in Brussels to his notification of his Department's proposals for assistance to British Leyland following the Ryder Report; whether he has been notified that he will receive this reply before the date of the Common Market referendum; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations have been made to him by the EEC since it was sent the Ryder Report on British Leyland.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) whether the EEC Commission in Brussels has officially approved the recommendations of the Ryder Report on British Leyland;

(2) what response he has received from the EEC Commission in Brussels to the recommendations in the Ryder Report on British Leyland and to subsequent Government decisions;

(3) if the EEC Commission in Brussels has informed him whether it is its intention to report on the Ryder Report on British Leyland before 5th June 1975.

Mr. Benn

The EEC Commission is studying the Government's proposals and I expect to receive its comments in due course. I shall inform Parliament of the Commission's decision on the matter.