HC Deb 26 July 1978 vol 954 cc754-5W
Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will undertake discussions with Chrysler UK under the planning agreement which the Government have with it with a view to setting up production and assembly facilities in the United Kingdom to produce one-ton pick-up trucks;

(2) if Chrysler UK needs Government permission under the terms of the planning agreement between itself and the Government to import one-ton pick-up Isuzu trucks from Japan; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if Chrysler UK, under the terms of the planning agreement between itself and the Government, has asked for permission to import Isuzu one-ton pick-up trucks into the United Kingdom; if so, how many per annum; and if he will make a statement on the benefits to United Kingdom truck production and to the United Kingdom economy of such a proposal;

(4) if, under the terms of the planning agreement between the Government and Chrysler UK, he has held or intends to hold talks with the unions on proposals to import Isuzu one-ton pick-up trucks.

Mr. Alan Williams,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 17th July 1978 Vol. 954, c. 94], gave the following information:

Chrysler UK does not have any plans to import one-ton pick-up Isuzu trucks. The plans for the commercial vehicle operations of Chrysler UK are a subject for discussions under the planning agreement. Substantial changes to the assisted business must be notified to the Department under the terms of the agreement signed on 5th January 1976.