Mr. KennethClarke asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the Government were consulted about and gave their consent to the offer for sale of Aveling Barford Ltd. by British Leyland.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe NEB and BL are keeping my Department informed about the current discussions with potential purchasers of Aveling Barford Ltd. Under the NEB guidelines my right hon. Friend's consent is necessary for any disposal of voting shares in excess of £0.5 million by an NEB subsidiary.