§ Mr. HayesTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden), of 2 December 1998,Official Report, column 874, on the Rover Group, if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to assist Rover. [64012]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government continue to be in close contact with Rover and BMW over future investment plans for Longbridge. The decision by Rover employees to implement the new working-time arrangements and the decision to make the new mini at Longbridge are very important milestones in helping to secure further investment for the plant.
We will maintain our close contact and support to both companies. However, the Government have not been asked for financial assistance. Should such an approach be received, it will be considered on its own merits and within the usual rules for providing financial assistance to companies.