§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Industry why his Department telephoned Airfix Ltd. to check on the information contained in his answer to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Edge Hill on Monday 10 December; and if he is satisfied with the correctness of the Department's own figures.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe reason for approaching Airfix Ltd. was not to obtain the information requested by the hon. Member but to obtain the company's consent to the disclosure of information that would otherwise have been confidential. Without its consent I could have disclosed only those details which, in accordance with established departmental practice, are published inTrade and Industry. As these details would not have covered all of the assistance provided to Meccano Ltd., I was anxious not to give incomplete information which might mislead hon. Members. I am fully satisfied with the correctness of the Department's own figures.