HC Deb 22 December 1988 vol 144 cc445-6W
5. Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to bring Harland and Wolff's management/employee buyout bid to fruition.

Mr. Viggers

I have had discussions with senior managers of Harland and Wolff about a proposed management/employee buy-out and my officials have also met these managers and their financial advisers to progress matters. No firm proposals have yet been tabled.

16. Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will reconsider his decisions to privatise Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Viggers

The Government believe that the best prospects for the future of Harland and Wolff lie within the private sector and is seeking purchasers for the company on this basis. Negotiations are continuing with possible acquirers of Harland and Wolff; these include senior managers at the yard who are considering a possible management/employee buy-out.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met trade union representatives from Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Viggers

I met representatives of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions from Harland and Wolff on 31 October 1988. We exchanged views on the future of the company and I have since written to the confederation in response to a paper which the representatives left with me.