§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he expects the £60 million grant given to Harland and Wolff in 1975 to last until the third quarter of 1978; what further discussion he has had with the management and union representatives of the company about the company's future as a shipyard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe figure of £60 million is the limit set by Article 6 of the Shipbuilding Industry (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1975 on financial assistance to Harland and Wolff.64W Under this authority advances have been made to the company by the Northern Ireland Department of Commerce to meet essential expenditure. Approximately £37 million nett has thus far been advanced. It is impossible to be precise as to how long the balance will last. Much depends on developments on existing contracts and on whether new contracts will be undertaken within the conditions which I have laid down.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to keep in close touch with the affairs of the company and the Departments of Commerce and Manpower Services are in almost daily contact with it.
The House will be kept informed of significant developments concerning the company.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new orders for ships have been received by Harland and Wolff since 2nd August 1975; and how many of the ships now being built in the yard are being constructed within contracts that will produce a profit for the company.
§ Mr. ConcannonHarland and Wolff Limited have received no new orders for ships since 2nd August 1975. None of the ships currently on the order book is expected to produce profits for the company.