§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent representations he has received concerning the future of the public holding in Ferranti Limited; what reply he is sending; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerMy right hon. and hon. Friends have received about a dozen representations this month from right hon. and hon. Members whose constituents are concerned about the future ownership of the National Enterprise Board's shareholding in Ferranti Ltd. I also saw the company's board at its request yesterday. My right hon. Friend's statutory consent is required for the disposal of any shareholding by the National Enterprise Board; none has yet been sought for the Ferranti shareholding but at the appropriate time he will have close regard to all the representations that have been made to him.