HC Deb 27 February 1978 vol 945 cc10-1W
31. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will seek to negotiate a planning agreement with the cutlery industry.

Mr. Cryer

Planning agreements are not negotiated with sectors of industry, but with individual companies. However, as my hon. Friend is aware, there have already been discussions between the Government and both sides of the industry, and a study is now being undertaken which will provide further opportunities for tripartite consideration. If this consideration were to suggest that planning agreements with individual companies would help the industry to increase its efficiency and competitiveness, the Government would be anxious to engage in discussions to this end.