asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many meetings have taken place to date of the tripartite working group on the HS146 project which was set up on 13th December 1974; and if he will make a statement on the progress made.

At the meeting on 13th December the parties involved confirmed their general agreement to the principle of further tripartite discussions on the HS146. Arrangements have been put in hand for this, including the submission of papers by the company and the unions and direct discussions with both sides. Final details have yet to be agreed, but all those involved are anxious to make progress, and it is planned that the next tripartite meeting will be soon.