§ 29. Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the progress made regarding the review of investment in the shipbuilding industry.
§ Mr. EmeryInvestment in the shipbuilding industry is one of the items to be examined in the long-term appraisal of the industry which is being carried out by the Department.
Mr. WileyWill the Minister try to expedite that inquiry? Will he take it that some of us are disturbed that substantial aid is being given to the shipbuilding industry but it is going largely to the more inefficient firms, and efficient concerns such as those on the Wear at Sunderland are now most anxious lest they should lose the opportunity of having Government assistance?
§ Mr. EmeryI at once accept what the right hon. Gentleman asks: we want to pursue the inquiry as expeditiously as possible. It is our wish to ensure that the Government's plans for selective assistance to industry, contained in the Industry Bill just introduced, shall apply 992 toeveryone and that the efficient side of industry should not be left out.