HC Deb 15 May 2000 vol 350 cc22-3W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives he is pursuing to safeguard jobs in the motor components industry which may be under threat from the sale of Rover; and if he will make a statement. [121728]

Mr. Alan Johnson

The sale of Rover cars to the Phoenix consortium is the best outcome to safeguard jobs in the supply chain for the models produced at Longbridge and the R75.

In the longer term, the Government will continue their efforts to help the industry to improve its competitiveness. The DTI is providing a total of over £18 million of support for initiatives such as the SMMT Industry Forum and the Foresight Vehicle programme, as well as undertaking activity to attract new investment and develop exports.

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