Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Minister of Technology what representations have been made to him about the possibility of securing an order for a 240,000 ton tanker to be built by the Furness Shipbuilding Company; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. BennI have been asked whether there is any company with whom negotiations could take place about the possibility of purchasing a vessel from this yard. Such inquiries are being taken into account in the economic appraisal now being made in consultation with the unions and others of whether any way can be found to put the yard on a long-term viable basis.