HC Deb 17 December 1979 vol 976 cc55-6W
Mr. Kaufman

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, when he invited Sir Frank McFadzean to consider appointment as chairman of Rolls-Royce, Sir Frank made it a condition of acceptance of the chairmanship that Rolls-Royce should be removed from the National Enterprise Board.

Sir Keith Joseph

My first discussion about the chairmanship of Rolls-Royce with Sir Frank McFadzean was in a general context, and this was one of the aspects raised.

Mr. Kaufman

asked the Secretary of State for Industry on what date he invited Sir Frank McFadzean to consider appointment as chairman of Rolls-Royce; on what date or dates the Secretary of State discussed this invitation with Sir Leslie Murphy or any other member or representative of the National Enterprise Board; and on what date Sir Frank McFadzean accepted the appointment.

Sir Keith Joseph

I discussed the chairmanship of Rolls-Royce with Sir Frank McFadzean on 25 and 30 October and he indicated his willingness in principle to consider appointment. On 6 November I told Sir Frank that the Government wished him to be appointed and he confirmed his willingness to serve. I informed Sir Leslie Murphy on the same day and the board of the NEB the following day.