§ 47. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Technology what further action has been taken by the Shipbuilding Industry Board regarding the merger of the Wear shipyards; and what is the position regarding any application for financial assistance.
§ Mr. FowlerThe position has not changed since the reply to my right hon. Friend's Question on 18th March. I have recently discussed this with the Shipbuilding Industry Board, who are in touch with the companies concerned.—[Vol. 761, c. 13–14.]
§ Mr. WilleyWhile the position about orders has much improved over the past month or two, will my hon. Friend ensure that the board keeps pegging at this? Otherwise, the Wear will be prejudiced compared with other shipbuilding districts.
§ Mr. FowlerI agree entirely with what my right hon. Friend has said. The Wear shipbuilders received a report by consultants nearly eight months ago. We hope that progress towards a merger on the Wear will be much more rapid in the immediate future than it has been during the past eight months.