HC Deb 30 November 1977 vol 940 cc219-20W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he intends to obtain assurances from Hitachi about the purchase of television components from British based manufacturers before a manufacturing unit is established in the United Kingdom; and whether these will apply to more than a small percentage of the components used.

Mr. Cryer

Hitachi has given written assurances to my Department that it is the company's intention to maximise the use of British components in the colour television sets which would be manufactured in the proposed colour television factory at Washington New Town. The company has already identified United Kingdom manufacturing sources for 40 per cent. of the components, and has undertaken to continue its efforts to increase this proportion. In addition a Mullard tube would be used in all cases where such tubes meet Hitachi's assessment of market requirements. However no decision has yet been reached on the Hitachi proposals.