HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc648-9
46. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his recent visit to shipyards in Upper Clydeside.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Gerry Fowler)

When visiting the shipyards on the Upper Clyde on 14th March, my right hon. Friend and I talked with all concerned about the difficulties facing the industry there and how they might be resolved. We were encouraged by the positive response we received.

Mr. Taylor

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that considerable alarm has been caused on Clydeside by the conference speech of a senior Scottish trade union official to the effect that the Government had guaranteed the life of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders for a period of only 14 weeks? As the livelihoods of thousands of families are at stake, did the hon. Gentleman's visit give him grounds for optimism that the required targets and objectives would be met?

Mr. Fowler

My right hon. Friend and I would not have visited the Upper Clyde if we did not believe in the ultimate success of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders. We thought it wise to go there to stress to all concerned that the success of the Upper Clyde depended on their efforts as well as on ours, and I think that we got the message across very successfully.