§ 3. Mr. Foleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of extra jobs expected at Harland and Wolff following the recent Government financial aid to the shipyard; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. David Howell)The terms and conditions of Government assistance for this scheme are still under consideration but it is expected that some 4,000 jobs will be provided.
§ Mr. FoleyIn view of the fact that the terms and conditions are still under consideration, will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that there will be no Government aid to Harland and Wolff or anyone else in Northern Ireland unless the Government are satisfied that employment and recruitment policies are on a nondiscriminatory basis?
§ Mr. HowellThe chairman and management of Harland and Wolff have given clear assurances that their recruiting policy is and will be one of nondiscrimination. As for discrimination throughout the private sector, there is another Question on the Order Paper on that specific point. I think that I had better leave that for the moment.
§ Mr. McMasterIs my hon. Friend aware that as a result of assistance given by the Government the shipbuilding facilities at Harland and Wolff, with a capacity to build up to a million tons, are now the best anywhere in Europe and that the productivity of the men matches them? Is not it fair to say that any assistance to Harland and Wolff will improve not only the employment position but the economic position of this country?
§ Mr. HowellI gladly confirm that point. Assistance to Harland and Wolff means assistance to all the vast ancillary industries and additional outside facilities which go to make it a great shipyard.