asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the importance he attaches to the process of negotiating planning agreements with the top 100 companies.

The Government remain fully committed to the system of planning agreements, and it is my objective to make progress as rapidly as possible in discussions with important companies, not necessarily confined to those in the top 100.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) how many planning agreements are in the process of discussion with the top 100 companies;(2) how many planning agreements with the top 100 companies are nearing completion.

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.