HC Deb 17 January 1967 vol 739 cc2-3W
24. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology what reports on the progress of the shipbuilding industry setting out the matters listed in the Geddes Committee's Report have been published since 1st June, 1966.

31. Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Technology whether the Government adhere to the timetable for the reorganisation of the shipbuilding industry set out in paragraph 578 of the Geddes Report.

Mr. Benn

The Geddes Report did not call for interim reports on the progress in the industry pending legislation. But the timetable is being fully maintained. The tax relief provisions were brought into operation under the Finance Act and the Shipbuilding Industry Board has been established on a non-statutory basis, and is working well.

30. Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Technology if he will place in the Library of the House of Commons copies of the report in his possession prepared by Science in General Management Limited for the Geddes Committee on the future world market for ships, before the introduction of the Bill to set up the Shipbuilding Industry Board.

Mr. Benn

Yes. A copy will be made available in the Library.

Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Technology whether he intends to implement the recommendation of the Geddes Committee in paragraph 487 of its report, that for three years from April, 1967, Government contribution of £200,000 per annum be made to the British Shipbuilding Research Association additional to those available under present conditions.

Mr. Benn

I am still considering this point.