§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he took to ascertain the price which the assets and goodwill of Court Shipbuilders Ltd. would command in the open market before he agreed in principle to acquire the equity of that company with public funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennNegotiations had to be conducted on a very short time scale. I made use of the advice available to me within the Department, which took account of such factors as underlying net assets and the past results and future prospects of Court Shipbuilders.