§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement further elucidating the meaning of New Clause 12 relating to Harland and Wolff moved to the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Bill on 27th July.
§ Mr. KaufmanThis clause, which is now Clause 48 of the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Bill, was moved at Report stage by the Conservative Opposition and accepted by the Government. It requires British shipbuilders to have full regard to the need to consult with, and whenever possible co-ordinate their activities with, those of any body corporate in Northern Ireland whose equity share capital is held by or on behalf of the Crown which is engaged in the same kind of activity as is specified in Clause 2(2) of the Bill. At the present time the only company which falls into this category is Harland and Wolff Limited. The Organising Committee for British Shipbuilders is getting in touch with the Government and with the company on the manner in which this requirement might best be carried out.