§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the one-day engineering strike resulted in the Norwegian tanker "Butgana" being taken away from the Sunderland yards to Rotterdam for repairs; if, in order to prevent similar loss of export orders, he will invite the union leaders and the employers' representatives to meet him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HareI have seen reports that because of the one-day strike on 5th February and a ban on overtime for one 143W week in north-east coast shipyards, a Sunderland firm could not undertake to complete repair work on the "Butgana" within the prescribed time limit, and that the ship was moved to Rotterdam. I do not think it would be helpful for me to intervene in this dispute. I have already made clear in recent joint talks my views on the urgent need for improved competitiveness in the industry.