asked the Secretary of State for Industry with what sectors of industry he is primarily concerned in his efforts to obtain planning agreements.

The aim is to introduce planning agreements initially into sectors of particular importance to the economy, beginning with companies in sectors which lie at the heart of our export effort.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what topics were discussed during his consultations with the CBI and the TUC on the arrangements for planning agreements.

The discussions provided for exchanges of views about the Government's policy and about the practical aspects of implementing planning agreements.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry why no planning agreements have yet been concluded; and when he expects the first one to be negotiated.

The Department has been pursuing its consultations with both sides of industry, including the CBI and ABCC and the TUC, about the arrangements for planning agreements. In addition it is conducting exploratory discussions with a number of companies, but these have not reached a stage at which I am in a position to make a statement.