HC Deb 03 December 1987 vol 123 cc693-5W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimates are available to him of the potential for expansion in the Northern Ireland shipbuilding industry should there be a general upturn in shipbuilding in the 1990s.

Mr. Viggers

[holding answer 30 November 1987]: Information about the potential for expansion in Northern Ireland shipbuilding industry is obtained from Harland and Wolff, advising consultants, the Commission of the European Communities, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Lloyd's List and other sources as appropriate. The scope for expansion by Harland and Wolff depends on its ability to secure orders on a commercial basis.

a contingency reserve. The allocations to each social security office in Northern Ireland are listed below along with the other information requested.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to place his Department's future marine engine building contracts with a company in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Viggers:

[holding answer 30 November 1987]: In the event that a marine engine building contract were to be placed tenders would be sought on a commercial basis, under the usual terms and conditions which apply to Government purchasing.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place a copy of Harland and Wolff's corporate plan in the Library; when he expects to receive an update of this or a new corporate plan; and if he will place a copy of this document in the Library.

Mr. Viggers:

[holding answer 30 November 1987]: The company submitted its 1987 corporate plan on 16 November. I regret that I cannot place this or the previous plan in the Library as it contains commercially confidential information.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the present composition of the Harland and Wolff board; and what information he has on changes pending.

Mr. Viggers

[holding answer 30 November 1987]: The directors of Harland and Wolff are: A. Ferry; P. M. Nielsen; T. J. Parker; C. J. Perrin; A. P. Shearer; J. M. Williams. No changes are imminent, although member-ship of the board is kept under review.