HC Deb 22 March 1979 vol 964 cc725-6W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many sector working parties were active and produced reports in 1978; how many indicated in their reports that an improved market share had been achieved by British industry in their sector in the year; how many claimed that investment in their sector in the year had been consistent with their previous strategy objectives and recommendations; and how many claimed that the industrial strategy had had any significant effect on the performance of individual companies and the level of employment in their sector.

Mr. Les Huckfield

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 16 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 365], gave the following information:

Thirty-eight sector working parties—including those economic development committees within the industrial strategy—were active in 1978. All but one produced an end-year report. I understand that so far 22 SWPs have published their reports. Copies of these are available in the Library of the House. I would also draw the hon. Member's attention to the"Analysis of Sector Working Party Reports"prepared by the Industrial Strategy Staff Group, which is also available in the Library.

Increasing our share of world markets over the medium term is the overall objective of the industrial strategy. Figures showing the United Kingdom's share for 1978, sector by sector, will not be available until the end of this year.

Of the published reports, 12 comment on the level of investment in their sectors. Six SWPs report that investment trends are broadly consistent with their strategy objectives and recommendations. Four of these—machine tools, textile machinery, printing machinery and wool textiles—emphasise the importance of industry schemes in bringing about the required investment in product development and capital equipment. Two of the published reports call for further investment to attain sectoral objectives. A further four stress the need for investment in research and development to secure the industries' long term position.

Thirteen of the published reports comment on the employment implications of their objectives until the early 1980s. Seven SWPs expect an increase in employment—in particular, those for printing machinery, clothing and some of the food and drink sector working groups—whilst four expect employment losses.

The promotion of action at company level to improve performance is, of course, a vital aspect of SWP work.