§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the Government and the National Enterprise Board will now withdraw from any part in negotiations over proposed mergers of turbo-generator manufacturing and boiler-
British Expenditure £ million French Expenditure £ million Both Countries £ million Actual costs from 29th November 1962 to 31st December 1976 at the prices and exchange rates prevailing when the costs were incurred 504 509 (6119 MF) 1,013 Estimated costs from 1st January 1977 to completion of programme at January 1977 prices and at an exchange rate of £1=8.5 francs 61 67 128 Totals 565 576 1,141 The latest estimates of the manufacturers' total production costs to the end of 1978 are £369 million in the United Kingdom and 3,390 million francs in France. This is divided as between actual past expenditure and estimated future expenditure as follows:
Britain £m. France Fr.m. Actual costs to 31st December 1976 at the prices and exchange rates prevailing when the costs were incurred. 255 2,395 Estimated costs from 1st January 1977 to 31st December 1978 at January 1977 prices and at an exchange rate of £1=8.5 francs. 114 995 Totals 369 3,390 Without taking account of possible receipts from further sales or leases the 248W making companies following the order for Drax B and the Central Electricity Generating Board's withdrawal of its offer of a minimum plant ordering programme.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe Government have no powers to force the objective recommended by the CPRS of an eventual restructured industry; it depends on the voluntary agreement of the companies concerned. The NEB will play a part if required.