HC Deb 04 February 1976 vol 904 cc598-9W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry in what way the ships under construction at Govan Shipbuilders in 1975 were more sophisticated than those under construction (a) in 1974 and (b) in 1973.

Mr. Kaufman

The company informs me that in 1975 the vessels completed included two sophisticated fast refrigerated cargo liners. Vessels completed in 1973 and 1974 were all bulk carriers or general cargo ships of straightforward construction and standard specification and design.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he now has the ultimate control over the management of the shipbuilders and shiprepairers in Great Britain that are at present State controlled.

Mr. Kaufman

My right hon. Friend has adequate powers to obtain information needed to monitor the performance of State-controlled shipbuilding and ship repairing companies, and full control over the appointment and dismissal of directors.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied with the level of orders at the shipbuilding and repair yards that are State controlled.

Mr. Kaufman

The present shortage of orders is a matter of concern for the whole industry, whether publicly or privately owned.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how often he received regular reports and trading figures during 1975 from the management of Cammell Lairds, Govan Shipbuilders and Sunderland Shipbuilders; and, in the case of the trading figures, what delay normally occurred in their submission after the period to which they related.

Mr. Kaufman

All these companies in 1975 submitted regular monthly reports on certain aspects of their business. Sunderland Shipbuilders Ltd. and Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd. submitted trading figures quarterly and Govan Shipbuilders Ltd. monthly. These trading figures were normally received within six to 10 weeks of the end of the period to which they related.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps the Government have taken to secure work for the shipbuilding and repair yards already in State ownership; and what further steps he proposes to take in the months before the yards pass to the new British Shipbuilding Corporation.

Mr. Kaufman

Securing work is a matter for the management of the companies concerned.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what capital investment there has been at Greenwells repair yard in Sunderland since it came into public ownership.

Mr. Kaufman

Since September 1974, capital investment at Greenwell Drydocks Ltd. has amounted to £86,000.