§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in the light of Hitachi's announced withdrawal of plans to develop a factory at Washington, County Durham, he will now make a statement on the proposals that were made by the Government to the Hitachi company during the negotiations.
§ Mr. CryerIt is the Government's policy, while welcoming all inward investment, to seek to ensure the maximum advantage to the economy from new manufacturing enterprises set up here by foreign companies. In conformity with that policy the Government were glad to receive the assurances given by Hitachi in respect of the colour television factor) it proposed to set up at Washington New Town. Hitachi undertook to maximise its use of components manufactured in the United Kingdom—including television tubes where available—to export 50 per cent. of its production, to substitute by United Kingdom production the major part of its present imports of television sets and to consult with the Government about future expansion plans.