§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what arrangements have been made for the early implementation of the Industrial Common Ownership Act 1976; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CryerIndustrial Common Ownership Finance Ltd. (ICOF) has been recognised as a relevant body under the Act. I anticipate that this organisation will shortly apply for a grant under Section 1. We are aware of other organisations which may seek to take part in implementing the relevant provisions.
My Department is arranging a one-day conference to promote informal discussions of issues relevant to producer co-operation, including common ownership, in the light of this legislation. The conference will be held on Thursday 21st April at the Co-operative College, Stanford Hall, Loughborough. My Department will invite a wide range of bodies, including co-operative and common ownership organisations, local authority representatives and industrial interests to attend, but we would be very glad to hear from any organisations wishing to be represented at the conference.