§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is willing to make a statement on the general condition of the telecommunications industry.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThe telecommunications manufacturing industry faces reductions in future orders by the Post Office, resulting from the down turn in demand for telephone services and calls. As I said in reply to the Question of my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Gourlay) on 20th October, the Post Office has told the manufacturers the programme it considers they should plan on for four years ahead. Although orders to be placed next year for Strowger and Crossbar equipment will be higher than previously estimated, the rundown in demand for equipment means that fairly substantial redundancies are inevitable.
§ Mr. Jim Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has yet received a reply from the Post Office about the restitution of orders for telecommunication equipment, following representations by the hon. Member for Beeston; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieI have nothing to add to the answer on this topic which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy on 20th October.