HC Deb 12 December 1979 vol 975 cc629-31W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will specify the consultations that he undertook with the management of British Airways and the aviation trade unions, respectively, giving dates of any such meetings con-

loping countries in each of the past five years;

(5) what was the value of imports of steel and steel products from each of the EEC member States into the United Kingdom in each of the past five years.

Mr. Parkinson

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the percentage share of the United Kingdom market for steel and steel products taken by imports from developing countries and EEC countries, respectively, in each of the past five years.

Mr. Parkinson

The information is as follows:

cerning the financing of British Airways prior to 20 July 1979, indicating the main purport of any such discussions;

(2) if he will specify the consultations that he undertook with the management of British Airways and the aviation trade unions, respectively, giving dates of any such meetings, concerning his decision not to mobilise the Government's right as the majority shareholder in the proposed successor company to British Airways to appoint directors to the board of that company;

(3) what representations he has received from the aviation trade unions concerning his plans for the financing of British Airways.

Mr. Tebbit [pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1979, c. 527–28]

Since 20 July a number of meetings have been held with representatives of the management of British Airways to discuss a whole range of issues relating to my original statement and the preparation of part I of the Civil Aviation Bill. Among the issues discussed has been the appointment of directors to the board of the successor company.

In addition to the discussion with the trade union side of the NJCCAT, we have received written representations about the proposals for British Airways from the general secretary of the TUC, the general secretary of APEX and the deputy national organiser of Conservative trade unionists.