HC Deb 04 July 1967 vol 749 cc212-3W
56. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Technology whether, in view of the need to protect the national pattern of shipbuilding, shiprepairing and marine engineering, he has yet considered the proposal made to him by the Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers National Association to arrange for regional employment premiums to be payable to all firms coming within the Minimum List Heading 370 of the Standard Industrial Classification regardless of their geographical situation; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Benn

I wrote to the Shipbuilders and Repairers National Association on 3rd July in answer to the representations referred to. I am sending a copy to the hon. Lady.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Technology how many ship-and boat-building, ship-repairing yards and marine engineering works are situated outside development areas and therefore fail to attract the 45 per cent. investment grant and will also fail to qualify for the new regional employment premium; and how many men are employed at these establishments.

Mr. Dell

Excluding those employed in Royal Dockyards, about 160,000 men are estimated to be employed in shipbuilding and marine engineering covered by Order VII of the Standard Industrial Classification. Of these it is estimated that just over 30 per cent. are employed in establishments outside Development Areas. Corresponding information about the number of establishments is not available.