asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much diesel fuel was produced in the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available.

My Department's estimate is 5·5 million tonnes in 1981.

Does my hon. Friend agree that the diesel engine industry is a strategic industry and that firms like Perkins in my constituency should not be exposed to unfair competition, from whatever source?

I noted a recent article that suggested that Perkins, along with British Leyland, was carrying out research on a motor car diesel engine. We wish such a venture every success.