HC Deb 04 November 1974 vol 880 cc676-7
12. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations he has had with management and trade unions regarding the future development of the ship repair industry in Southampton.

Mr. Meacher

None, Sir. My Department is arranging to hold discussions about the recent consultants' report on the industry with the major national bodies concerned with the ship repair industry, including employers and unions, and I would hope that local representatives would in the meantime await the outcome of these discussions.

Mr. Mitchell

Will the Minister do his best to ensure that that both before and after nationalisation efficient shipyards in non-development areas are not penalised in favour of shipyards in development areas?

Mr. Meacher

We shall certainly agree to that proposal. I am well aware that the PA Consultants' report did not take full account of the advantages of Southampton as one of the fastest growing port areas where ship repairing can be expected to flourish. Unfortunately the figures taken were for 1972, when the passenger line trade had been declining and there had not yet been a recovery of the container trade.