| Name | Entered office | Left office | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Benn | 5 March 1974 | 10 June 1975 | Labour | |
| Eric Varley | 10 June 1975 | 4 May 1979 | Labour | |
| Sir Keith Joseph | 7 May 1979 | 14 September 1981 | Conservative | |
| Patrick Jenkin | 14 September 1981 | 12 June 1983 | Conservative |
Merged with Secretary of State for Trade to form Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (which previously existed 1970-1974). See also Secretary of State for Industry, Trade, and Regional Development.