asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assurances were given to the Government at the time of the Control Data Corporation initial investment in Systime plc as to continuity of employment and production; and if those assurances are still valid.

None. Systime was at the time in serious financial difficulty and needed a substantial outside investment to avoid almost certain failure.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations his officials have made to the United States Government in relation to the affairs of Systime plc in Leeds; and if he will make a statement.

My officials have raised the matter of United States export controls as they affect the company with the United States authorities on a number of occasions. It is not our practice to comment in detail on individual cases.