HC Deb 19 February 1979 vol 963 cc2-3W
19. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the current financial performance requirements for British Leyland.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The National Enterprise Board's financial duty in relation to British Leyland is to secure in 1981 a rate of return, before interest and taxation, of 10 per cent. on the capital employed in British Leyland. In the years prior to 1981 the National Enterprise Board is required to maintain progress towards that objective.

23. Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will seek a meeting with the chairman of British Leyland.

Mr. Kaufman

I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Neubert) earlier today.

Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what estimates his Department has made of the number of people likely to be employed in each of the next five years in British Leyland.

Mr. Les Huckfield

None. Manpower levels are a matter for the company to determine from time to time after consultation as appropriate with employee representatives.

Mr. Bulmer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on future employment in British Leyland in the light of its corporate plan.

Mr. Les Huckfield

We have not yet received BL's latest corporate plan or the NEB's recommendations. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position before the Easter Recess to place in the Library the NEB's report to the House on BL.

Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to meet the chief executive of British Leyland.

Mr. Les Huckfield

My right hon. Friend meets the chairman and chief executive of British Leyland frequently.