asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will undertake with the appropriate sector working party a complete review of the tanning industry; and, until such a review is completed, ask the National Enterprise Board to halt any financial assistance to any firm in this industry.

There is no sector working party for the tanning industry, but my Department is meeting regularly with representatives of leather manufacturers and unions about the problems facing the industry. I can, therefore, see no need for the review suggested by the hon. Member, nor can I see any reason for asking the National Enterprise Board to halt any financial assistance to any firm in the leather industry.