Sir, It really should not have come as a great surprise to find another foreign car manufacturer pulling out of Great Britain (report, April 19). We have only ourselves to blame. That our national car industry, not so long ago arguably the finest in the world, should have been allowed to be reduced to zero is a disgrace.

Initially dealt a major blow by concerted union strikes, the motor manufacturing industry saw its problems compounded by the failure of successive governments to ensure forward-thinking management for our principal car brands, and to ensure investment for this part of our economy.

Governments should, too, have encouraged our people to have pride in our car industry and to choose to buy British.

Now we just have to rely on the kindness of Japanese manufacturers to employ our hapless car workers, with no national car business of our own to rely on. No doubt there will again be much dismay when that dwindling number of overseas manufacturers also decides to pull the plug, as surely they will.

RAY SIMONS
Banstead, Surrey

Sir, Let this be a warning for the plethora of blue-chip British companies which have sold their business or assets to foreign competitors. Whatever assurances may be given about continuity of employment in the undertakings concerned, ultimately they will be at the mercy of their new owners, who will tend to favour their own economies when decisions about investments or closures are made. In recent months much of the cream of British industry has been sold, including world leaders such as Pilkington, P&O, BPB and British Aerospace’s Airbus holding. Before long, I fear, these too will go the way of Ryton.

PETER NIXON
Richmond, Surrey

Explore Letters

• Feedback