HC Deb 27 November 1987 vol 123 cc341-3W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to ensure that Harland and Wolff maintains a design facility capable of catering for future orders without relying on subcontracts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Viggers

This is primarily a matter for the Northern Ireland Training Authority and the industry training boards which have informed me that the information is as follows:

Mr. Viggers

Maintenance of the design facility at Harland and Wolff is a commercial matter for the company and will be dependent on what future orders can be secured.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his projection of the numbers of employees in Harland and Wolff over the next five years.

Mr. Viggers

Future employment levels at Harland and Wolff are dependent on the company's ability to secure orders on a commercial basis. The company is seeking new orders but, like all other European shipyards, faces a highly competitive world market.