§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the percentage increase in the cost of remuneration for the labour force at Messrs Harland and Wolff during the latest period of 12 months for which figures are available;
(2) what is now the aggregate cost to public funds of all sums give0n, loaned, committed, promised or at risk to Messrs. Harland and Wolff to date; what is the number of persons currently employed in the shipyard; and what is his latest estimate of the aggregate cost to public funds of moneys committed to this shipyard in the last 12 months per employee on its books;
(3) if he will give details of the Harland and Wolff order book at the present time and 12 months previously, and of all ships delivered to customers in the interval, specifying in each case whether delivery was on time, ahead of schedule or behind schedule; and by how much.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to publish the findings of the independent review team looking into alternative possibilities for the future utilisation of the facilities of Harland and Wolff whose appointment was announced on 1 July 1980.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe Government expect to make a statement about Harland and Wolff in due course, and the statement will take account of the results of the diversification review and the Government's consideration of the company's corporate plan covering the period to 31 March 1985.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many ships supplied to customers by Messrs. Harland and Wolff have attracted penalty clauses for late delivery in the past five years; and what has been the aggregate cost of any such penalties.
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§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe performance of a shipbuilding contract is a commercial matter between the company and its customers, and it is not the Government's practice to disclose details of individual contracts such as penalty clauses.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will tabulate and quantify any improvements in the performance of the Harland and Wolff Shipyards achieved since 1 July 1980.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon possible.
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§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his latest estimate of the trading losses incurred by Harland and Wolff Ltd. in its latest year of operations.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerHarland and Wolff Ltd. expects to publish shortly its annual report and accounts for the year ending 31 December 1980. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the contents in advance of publication.
A copy of the report and accounts will be placed in the Library.