§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent consultations or communications he has had with a company or companies interested in acquiring the Rover Group, either in part or whole and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have had no consultations or communications with any companies on this subject.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will seek assurances from the Rover Group that adequate time will be set aside for consultation with the trades unions and the work force in advance of any decisions which affect the ownership of the Rover Group, or any of its constituent parts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI am satisfied that established company procedures provide scope for Rover Group's employees to be kept properly informed of progress towards privatisation.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it his policy that the Rover156W Group, or any of its constituent parts, is not sold to foreign-owned or partially foreign-owned companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. In considering any proposal that might be brought forward, I would consider the long-term industrial and commercial development of the Rover Group businesses to be more important than the nationality of possible owners.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it is policy that any future owners of the Rover Group maintain or increase investment levels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe consequences for investment would form an important part of our consideration of any future proposals that might be brought forward concerning Rover Group's businesses.