§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions took place between his Department and the Shipbuilding Industry Board between October, 1970, and June, 15W 1971, regarding the financial position of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders.
§ Mr. John DaviesDiscussions took place between my Department and the Shipbuilding Industry Board on a number of occasions throughout the period in question.
§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the view of the Government director was sought on the financial position of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders on 18th November, 1970.
§ Mr. John DaviesThere was no director appointed by the Government on the Board of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd. The director nominated by the Shipbuilding Industry Board was present at the meeting on 19th November at which the Chairman and other directors of the company presented to my hon. Friend the Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley), one of the Under-Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry, the Company's report dated 18th November, on its financial position and prospects.
§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department took between 11th February, 1971, and June, 1971 to satisfy itself that the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders would have a viable future.
§ Mr. John DaviesFinancial returns were received from the company. Until 8th June these did not contain anything to cast serious doubt on the assurances the directors had given in February about its viability.