4. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the present order book of Clyde shipyards.
§ Mr. FowlerAt the end of last month the various shipbuilding companies on the Upper and Lower Clyde had ships to the value of over £80 million under construction and ships to the value of nearly £70 million on order but not yet started.
Mr. TaylorWould the hon. Gentleman agree that this is a substantial order book? Does he intend that the completion of this work will be an integral part of any plan for the future of U.C.S.?
§ Mr. FowlerIt is indeed a substantial order book. As for the completion of work which is already on hand in the yards of U.C.S., I trust that the hon. Gentleman will not take so depressed a view of the future of U.C.S. as to assume that it would be necessary to make any special arrangements for this.
§ Mr. ManuelIs my hon. Friend aware that, despite this substantial order book, it is of supreme importance that any discussions to give success to these orders should include talks with trade union representatives on an equal footing with employers' organisations?
§ Mr. FowlerI agree entirely. My right hon. Friend and I have said repeatedly to all concerned that any solution to the problems facing the Upper Clyde must be found through joint effort by management and workpeople and their organisations.
§ Mr. David PriceCould the hon. Gentleman break down the figures which he has given between the Upper Clyde and the Lower Clyde?
§ Mr. FowlerI apologise to the hon. Gentleman but I cannot do that. The figures are supplied in confidence and it would be improper to reveal the order books of individual companies.