§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list in the Official Report the recommendations for action by Government made in the NEDO working sector report for the drop forgings industry together with details of the action taken by Government to implement those recommendations.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe recommendations addressed to Government in the report of the Drop Forgings Sector Working Party, and the action taken on them, are as follows
Recommendation.—More manpower planning at company level with particular emphasis on recruitment, training and upgrading of skilled workers and of middle management is needed. The Engineering Industry Training Board should be asked what assistance it might give in this respect.Action.—The sector working party is to discuss this further to identify more precisely what assistance is needed before an approach is made to the Engineering Industry Training Board.Recommendation.—Consideration should be given to the need for further financial assistance to encourage increased capacity for the production of die blocks.Action.—It has been established that there is no shortage of capacity in this area.Recommendation.—The Government should provide additional financial assistance to that already available to enable firms to: (a) invest in new productive equipment and buildings; (b) improve working conditions and general operating environment; (c) develop the most efficient production and commercial practices; (d) attract and retain skilled labour and other qualified manpower in the industry.Action.—Assistance for further investment by some companies in the drop forging industry is already being provided under the accelerated projects scheme. Discussions with the industry about the need for further assistance are continuing.Recommendation.—The Government should bring to the notice of the Department of the Environment the possible damage to the industry if a too short term view is taken of noise abatement legislation.436WAction.—The Department of the Environment has explained that the guidance already given to local authorities, who are mainly responsible for implementing this legislation, stresses that in cases where a reduction in noise levels is desirable there should be full consultation with the companies concerned to establish that such a reduction is technically and financially practicable.Recommendation—Government should assist the industry in obtaining information on the type and source of imported drop forgings.Action—A detailed breakdown of these imports during the last quarter of 1975 has been provided to the industry.