asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the survey of the British Institute of Management regarding 1975 delivery records of 186 plants.

The British Institute of Management report on Managing Manufacturing Operations recognises that there are good delivery performances as well as bad. But I am sure that all manufacturing companies can usefully study the survey findings on delivery and other areas where manufacturing performance can be improved and consider the implications for their own operations. Improvements in industry's management of manufacturing are essential if the industrial strategy is to succeed. I am encouraged to see the BIM focusing attention on what needs to be done in this key area.