§ 27. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish his proposals to assist the ship-repairing industry in Wales.
§ Mr. RidleyWe expect to make a statement soon on proposals from the Ship Building and Ship Repairing Council concerning the ship-repairing industry.
§ Mr. McBrideIs the Minister aware that when I asked the assistance of the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry he sheltered behind the fact that a receiver had been appointed in this company, in spite of the fact that I offered to suit my convenience to his and meet him in London, Cardiff or Swansea? Will wet and dry dock repair facilities be retained in the Bristol Channel? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the continuity of the Prince of Wales Dry Dock Co. Ltd. as a viable entity is essential to the Swansea area for the extensive shipping traffic in the Bristol Channel? Finally, will the hon. Gentleman, in consultation with his right hon. Friend, send fleet auxiliaries and other ships there? To do so could well influence the decision to retain dock repair facilities.
§ Mr. RidleyMy right hon. Friend will be making a statement about policy in this area shortly. The company to which the hon. Gentleman refers is in the hands of a receiver and, therefore, I cannot comment upon it. I would only say that it will be up to this industry to attract the business which it needs to earn its living in the future.