HC Deb 16 April 1986 vol 95 cc870-1
19. Mr. Nicholas Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of privatisation of the warship yards.

Mr. Peter Morrison

British Shipbuilders deserves the congratulations of the House on its success in completing the return of all the warship yards to the private sector by the 31 March target. Gross proceeds exceed £120 million, with further payments conditional on the future performance of some of the privatised yards.

Mr. Brown

Does the Minister accept that the mechanism outlined in the question provides an avenue for supporting both warship building and merchant shipbuilding, which the Government are ignoring?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot agree with the hon. Member, and he would not expect me to do so.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Galley, Question No. 20. We will have that answer again.