§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Defence what inquiries his Department has had from the National Enterprise Board about the disposal of the Board's holding in Ferranti Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThis is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, although the former chairman of the National Enterprise Board approached the Ministry of Defence informally about our interest in Ferranti Ltd. In the event of the disposal of the Board's holding in the firm,200W my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence would wish for reassurance that the continuity of defence work currently in the firm's hands would be maintained.