§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions have taken place between his Department, the Brother Corporation and various regional development authorities, about the siting of a Brother factory in the United Kingdom for the manufacture of typewriters; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many jobs would be directly or indirectly lost or threatened in Britain if the Brother Corporation were to abandon its plans to open up a new typewriter factory in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. TrippierMy Department frequently holds discussions with Japanese companies which may be considering establishing United Kingdom manufacturing facilities, but such discussions remain confidential between the Department and the companies concerned.