HC Deb 29 April 1959 vol 604 cc1276-7
56 Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) to what extent, since public money is to be spent in financing the building of the proposed new Cunard liners, the Government expect to be consulted about where they shall be built

(2) when he expects to announce the Government's decision about the financing of the proposed new Cunard liners;

(3) whether, in making his decision about the financing of the proposed new passenger liners, he will bear in mind the facilities available at Harland and Wolff, Belfast, and the high level of unemployment in that city.

Mr. Watkinson

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 21st April to Questions on this subject from my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) and the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).

Mr. McMaster

I have read the reply which my right lion. Friend gave. Will he give an undertaking that in considering the placing of the orders he will bear in mind the employment position in Belfast, and in particular the capacity of the shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff which are at the moment building more passenger liners than any other shipbuilding yard in the country?

Mr. Watkinson

I understand my hon. Friend's interest in part part of the world, but I hope the House clearly understands that at the moment the Government are not committed to the project in any way and cannot be so committed until we have a great deal more information from the Cunard Company.

Back to