Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been achieved since his meeting on 28 September with a delegation led by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Leith to bring forward orders to help shipyards such as Henry Robb Ltd. of Leith.
§ Mr. Norman LamontHenry Robb is among the firms that are in discussion with the Ministry of Defence about the MOD's requirements for mooring and salvage vessels and tractor tugs. It is hoped that the orders for the mooring and salvage vessels will be placed around the turn of the year, and that orders for tractor tugs will be placed early next year. I cannot, however, give the hon. Member any assurance that Henry Robb will secure any of these orders.