§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received from British machine tool manufacturers about the extent to which British Leyland and other companies which are in receipt of substantial amounts of taxpayers' money are purchasing machine tools from overseas; if he will investigate this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherMy Department regularly receives representations from British machine tool manufacturers concerning purchases by nationalised industries and publicly owned companies, including BL. Over the past three years, the Government have launched a major initiative to encourage the public sector to use its considerable purchasing power in a positive manner to help promote suppliers' international competitiveness. I believe that nationalised industries and publicly owned companies do look to the United Kingdom for their equipment wherever possible, but they have, of course, to pay regard to commercial considerations such as suitability, price and delivery.