§ Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what, for the date that figures are last available, were the number of dairy herds in England and Wales, the average size of dairy herd, and the number of dairy herds of less than 20 cows, with 20 to 39 cows, 40 to 59 cows, 60 to 79 cows, 80 to 99 cows and 100 to 119 cows, 120 to 139 cows, 140 to 159 cows, and over 160 cows, respectively; and what were the corresponding figures for the same date in 1974.
§ Mr. BishopThe number of holdings with dairy cows at June 1973 and June 1974 is given in the following table in so far as the information is available relating to herds of particular sizes. Similar information is not yet available from the June 1975 census, but it is expected that the analysis will show a further decline in the number of holdings with small herds. The total number of holdings with dairy cows at June 1975 was approximately 62,300.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the terms of reference of the new chairman of Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement about the company's present order book, capitalisation and labour force.
§ Mr. OrmeWhen the new Chairman of Harland and Wolff was appointed it was on the understanding that the area of his remit would be the following:—
- 1. To act as the main channel of formal communication between the company and Government.
- 2. To determine, in conjunction with the board of the company, the future business strategy and objectives of the company and to ensure that these objectives are in line with Government policy and are clearly defined for the benefit of all who work in the shipyard.
835 - 3. To ensure that all company personnel, managers and workers alike, are motivated toward attainment of the company's objectives; and in particular to weld the board, which will include worker directors, into an effective team. The development of worker participation at all levels is seen as a vital element in these processes.
- 4. To act as the public spokesman of the company.
The company's order book remains unchanged since the facts were reported to the House on 7th July. There are 13 ships, totalling 2,854,000 dwt tonnes, on the order book. Of these one tanker of 313,000 dwt tonnes will be handed over to its owners within the next few days and a bulk carrier of 119,000 dwt tonnes is scheduled for delivery in December.
The present capitalisation of the company comprises 12,100,000 authorised ordinary shares, of which 10,996,082 ordinary shares have been issued.
On 31st October the company had 9,651 employees—6,408 manual workers, 919 apprentices and 2,324 staff.