HC Deb 20 June 1990 vol 174 cc588-9W
40. Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received seeking further investment in the shipbuilding industry in the United Kingdom.

84. Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received seeking further investment in the shipbuilding industry in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Various representations have been received relating to investment associated with a resumption of shipbuilding at North East Shipbuilders Ltd's former shipyards in Sunderland. These proposals have not been accepted because of restrictions imposed by the European Communities' sixth directive on aid to shipbuilding.

116. Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many vessels, in excess of 500 gross registered tonnes, were built in United Kingdom shipyards in each of the past three years; and what financial assistance was provided for their construction by way of the European Community's shipbuilding fund.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The information is not available in the form requested. The number of vessels, in excess of 500 grt, built in the United Kingdom during the last three years is as follows:

1987 1988 1989
14 11 23

Under the shipbuilding intervention fund, assistance is provided to United Kingdom shipyards, for the construction of vessels of over 100 gt, to enable them to quote break-even prices against non-EEC competition. Data are not available specifically on vessels over 500 grt. Total expenditure over the last three financial years is as follows:

1987–88 1988–89 1989–90
£18.8m £39.4m £39.9m

The IF is not an EC fund but a subsidy arrangement operated by the Government in accordance with the requirements of the sixth directive on aid to shipbuilding.

58. Mr. Barron

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about further Government investment in the shipbuilding industry in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

My Department has not recently received any significant representations.