§ 70. Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what success the new chairman of the Rover Group has had in stemming the losses of the company.
§ Mr. AtkinsRover Group's half year results were published on 5 August. In the first six months of 1987, compared with the same period in 1986, the turnover of the businesses continuing within the group, increased by 27 per cent, to £1,580 million with unit sales up 11 percent, to 259,000. Exports accounted for over one third of unit sales and turnover. Improving operations resulted in a 90 per cent. reduction in loss before interest and taxation to £7.3 million and 80 per cent, reduction after interest, tax and extraordinary items to £42 million. Furthermore, the RG board announced on 18 November that the group expects to make a profit before interest and taxation in the current financial year ending 31 December 1987.