asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect on the United Kingdom engineering switchgear industry of the Central Electricity Generating Board's policy towards replacement of obsolete switchgear equipment; what support his Department gives towards research and development in this field; what information he has on the level of capital investment in the switchgear industry; and if he will make a statement.

I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.