§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he has received concerning BMW's plans for the location of the production of the new medium saloon. [116215]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 24 March 2000]: BMW are still considering where to locate production of their new medium saloon.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in BMW dealerships and spares operations in the UK. [116221]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 24 March 2000]: Approximately 5,550 people are employed in BMW dealerships in the UK and about 1,000 more are employed in BMW's parts operations.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in Rover dealerships in the UK. [116220]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 24 March 2000]: Almost 12,000 people are employed in Rover's 300 franchised dealerships in the UK.
197W
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made to BMW about the sale of the new Mini through Rover dealerships. [116214]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 24 March 2000]: Discussions with representatives of BMW continue. They include the situation faced by Rover dealerships.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial aid packages will be made available and on what timescale to assist workers who lose their jobs following the sale of Rover. [116217]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 24 March 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden) on 28 March 2000, Official Report, columns 109-10W.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of jobs that will be lost at Longbridge in the next 12 months. [116219]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 24 March 2000]: Neither BMW nor Alchemy Partners have given an estimate of the number of jobs which might be lost.