HC Deb 22 May 1975 vol 892 cc627-8W
Mr. John Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he can now say when he intends to introduce the Order-in-Council to take Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast, into public ownership.

Mr. Orme

As soon as possible.

Mr. John Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he can now make an estimate of the anticipated cost of taking Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast, into public ownership.

Mr. Orme

There is nothing to add at this stage to the statements made to the House on 26th March—[Vol. 889, c. 496–506]—and 8th May 1975—[Vol. 891, c. 1759–86].

Mr. John Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what Government funds have been given to Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast, under all headings in each year since 1964.

Mr. Orme

Apart from standard assistance available to industry generally in Northern Ireland, or to shipbuilders generally in the United Kingdom, the following funds have been provided by Government to Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast, since 1964.

Loans £ million
(i) 1966—Shipbuilding Industry (Loans) Act (NI) 1966 3.500
(ii) 1968–69—Shipbuilding Industry Board 11.307
(iii) 1971—Interest waived on 1966 loan 1.225
(iv) 1974–75—Industries Developments Acts (NI) 1966 and 1971 13.000
29.032
Equity
1971—Northern Ireland Government Acquisition of £1 ordinary shares at par 4.000
Grants
(1) 1971 Industries Development Acts (NI) 14.154
(ii) 1970–71 Shipbuilding Industry Board 7.038
(iii) 1973–75 Industries Development Acts (NI) 6.267
27.459
Total of special assistance 60.491

It would involve disproportionate effort to provide complete detail of the standard forms of assistance provided during the 11 years specified.

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