HC Deb 14 February 1972 vol 831 cc15-6W
70. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance he is now providing to the new Govan Shipbuilders Limited.

71. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the feasibility study prepared for his Department on the viability of Govan Shipbuilders and on the views of the Board of Govan Shipbuilders on the capital requirement for the new company.

72. Mr. Small

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will outline the results of the consultancy studies, in respect of Govan, Linthouse and Scotstoun shipyards; and what decisions he has taken to protect the interests of the workers.

Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give details of the feasibility studies which have been submitted to him in respect of the Govan, Linthouse and Scotstoun yards of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited.

Mr. Ridley

We have received the final draft of the consultant's report together with a letter from Govan Shipbuilders outlining its views on the prospects for viability. We are urgently examining these and, until this examination is complete, I have no statement to make.

Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has had from the Marathon Manufacturing Company of the United States of America for the relief of import duties on equipment which they would require to import from the United States of America in the event of their taking over the Clydebank Yard of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders; and what reply he has given.

Mr. Ridley

The Marathon Manufacturing Company has asked the Department whether it could obtain relief from import duty on certain items of equipment it might wish to import from the United States in the event of its taking over the Clydebank Yard of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Ltd. A letter has been sent to Marathon explaining the provisions for such relief under Sections 5 and 7 of the Import Duties Act, 1958.