§ 7. Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the latest progress achieved in the privatisation of British Shipbuilders' interest in Southampton.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Norman Tebbit)I have asked British Shipbuilders to sell all its warship-building interests, including Vosper Thornycroft, by 31 March 1986. I understand that British Shipbuilders hopes to issue a sale document for Vosper Thornycroft by the summer. Vosper Shiprepair is also on the market and British Shipbuilders is in discussion with potential purchasers.
§ Mr. ChopeI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that full reply. Is he aware that the continuing delays have caused much anxiety among the work force? Will he ensure that British Shipbuilders does not delay any further in implementing these important privatisation measures?
§ Mr. TebbitI know that British Shipbuilders is anxious to get on with the matter. It is not always easy to handle all the sales at once. It is getting on as quickly as it reasonably can, and certainly I shall give it all the help that I can to complete the task.