HC Deb 27 March 1969 vol 780 cc1778-9
18. Mr. Brooks

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what representations he has received from the Northwest Economic Planning Council regarding the implications for the Merseyside employment situation of the decision to cease placing contracts for nuclear submarines, and for their re-fitting, at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Urwin

My right hon. Friend wrote to the Chairman of the North-West Planning Council as he indicated in his reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 28th February. They have considered the matter and we have their views. I know there is some disappointment on Merseyside, but I am quite satisfied that if only one yard can be economically employed in the future, then the choice of Barrow has merit on regional planning grounds.

Mr. Brooks

Will my hon. Friend indicate to the House what the views of the Planning Council are? Will he not agree that it is rather baffling to tell the Council something which the Government have decided a year earlier? In view of the need for a little forward planning rather than posthumous planning, would it not be a good idea to ask it to comment on the scope for nuclear propulsion work for mercantile vessels on the Mersey?

Mr. Urwin

I observe that my hon. Friend has some doubt about the wisdom of the decision. It is not seen as a threat in the future to the economy of Merseyside in the way that he suggests. I am satisfied that nothing would have been gained by drawing the information to the attention of the Council at an earlier stage.

Mr. Fortescue

What part have the relative employment situations on Merseyside and Barrow played in coming to the decision that the submarine should be built at Barrow?

Mr. Urwin

That is one of the factors taken into account in arriving at the situation. It is a fact that Barrow is more vulnerable than Merseyside because of its comparative geographical isolation.

Mr. Ogden

In view of the employment situation, is my hon. Friend aware that many Merseyside-based shipping companies place orders for new ships with yards as far apart as Hong Kong, Rotterdam and Japan? Could not more influence be brought to bear on them to place their orders with Cammell Laird, which is on their doorstep?

Mr. Urwin

I accept my hon. Friend's comment. It is highly desirable that attention should be paid to this important factor.