HC Deb 25 February 1982 vol 18 cc970-1
3. Mr. Stephen Ro

Ross asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the prospects of fresh orders of ships and engines for Harland and Wolff.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

Harland and Wolff is currently pursuing a number of possible ship and engine orders in extremely difficult market conditions. It remains my hope, however, that its efforts to secure new orders on acceptable terms will be successful.

Mr. Ross

I am conscious of the personal efforts of the Secretary of State, which I know are appreciated, to obtain orders for Harland and Wolff. Is he aware that relationships between Harland and Wolff and British Shipbuilders are not perhaps as close as one might wish? While British Shipbuilders seem to have a fairly full order book, is it not possible that some of those orders might be directed towards Harland and Wolff?

Mr. Butler

There is certainly a working relationship between British Shipbuilders and Harland and Wolff. I am not sure, however, that the hon. Gentleman is right in what he says. The ships built by Harland and Wolff are essentially the larger, simple type, while those built by British Shipbuilders tend to be below the 64,000 tonnes mark. It would be relatively inefficient for Harland and Wolff to go for the same sort of ships as those for which British Shipbuilders has gained orders in the last year or two.

Mr. Peter Robinson

In view of the parlous position of those employed in the steel works and engine works of Harland and Wolff, is the Minister yet in a position to say that the British Steel bulk carrier order might be placed with Harland and Wolff?

Mr. Butler

I can tell the hon. Gentleman only that negotiations are continuing. I am very well aware, as is my right hon. Friend, of the importance of Harland and Wolff winning this order in the near future.

Mr. McNamara

As the P and 0 order went to Finland, will the Minister explain why efforts were not made by his Department, on behalf of Harland and Wolff, to transfer work from British Shipbuilders so that the P and 0 ship could have been built in England and employment provided for Harland and Wolff?

Mr. Butler

I understand that Harland and Wolff felt it could not meet the delivery date required. Secondly, the balance of trades involved in the P and 0 vessel was out of tune with its present manning. Harland and Wolff made the offer to British Shipbuilders that it would carry out subcontract work if that were available. In the event, it was not.