Mr. S. James A. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for assistance to the ship 447W repairing industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChatawayWe intend to commission a study by consultants of the United Kingdom ship repairing industry, and I am having discussions with representatives of the employers and trade unions about it. The purpose will be to examine the current state and future prospects of the industry in the light of world markets and competition; to investigate what action is needed to improve the industry's performance and prospects; and to seek to indentify any major obstacles in the way of the industry's future success.
The study will be complementary to that of the shipbuilding industry. It will also help us within the Government to consider individual applications for selective assistance in the context of the needs of the industry as a whole.