§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Industry when last he received written advice from the China Clay Council; and what action he has taken since as a result.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Department of Industry receives written advice from the China Clay Council on a wide range of matters affecting the industry. The most recent occasion was in April, when the issue involved was brought to the attention of the responsible Department.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Industry when last he received written advice from the Waste Management Advisory Council; and what action he has taken since as a result.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe council has not met since the Government took office and my right hon. Friend has received no advice from it.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Industry when last he received written advice from the regional industrial development boards; and what action he has taken since as a result.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe prime purpose of the boards is to advise on applications for regional selective financial assistance under the Industry Act 1972, on which their knowledge and experience is valuable.
The boards are also consulted from time to time about matters relating to regional industrial development and report each year on the operation of the Industry Act in their regions.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Industry when last he received written advice from the Production Statistics Advisory Committee; and what action he has taken since as a result.
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§ Mr. David MitchellAt its next meeting in June, the committee, which usually meets about once a year, will have its first opportunity to consider proposals by the present Government for reducing the cost and numbers of forms associated with statistical inquiries to the production sector. I shall consider very carefully any advice which the committee may offer.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Industry when last he received written advice from the Manufacturing Advisory Services Steering Committee; and what action he has taken since as a result.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe latest report on the operation of the manufacturing advisory service (MAS) up to February 1980 was received from the MAS steering committee on 28 March. The report was accepted by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Industry when last he received written advice from the Industrial Development Advisory Board; and what action he has taken since as a result.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy right hon. Friend has regularly received the record of the IDAB's meeting which normally takes place twice a month. From time to time the board refers individual cases to me for a decision; the last such occasion was in March 1980 when I accepted the board's advice that an offer of assistance should be made.