Bus Makers Take BL For A Ride

Bus Makers Take BL For A Ride

Leyland bus makers were accused yesterday of deliberately keeping production low. Commenting on the decision, to shut down the Titan, plant in North London, company chairman Sir Michael Edwardes said the workers had only themselves to blame.

He disclosed that Leyland had three years of orders for the double decker-bus worth tens of millions of pounds. But only two or three were being completed every week instead of the hoped for seven and the long term target of fourteen.

Sir Michael, speaking on the Jimmy Young radio show, said the unions had blocked bids to stop restrictive practices, to increase production and recruit more people .

"Frankly," said the Leyland boss, "I would rather shut the plant than operate in such an atmosphere."