§ 44. Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will report on efforts made by his Department to assist the survival of Lewis Offshore Limited in the Western Isles.
§ 45. Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the present position with regard to Lewis Offshore Ltd. in the Western Isles.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieMy right hon. Friend is acutely aware of the effects which closure of this yard would have on the Western Isles. The company's problems stem from a general shortage of orders for the structures which the yard makes, and its long-term future depends on the company's ability to tender successfully for new orders.
The company received substantial Government financial assistance when the yard was established. I have received deputations from the Lewis action group to discuss possible ways in which employ- 414W ment at the yard might be preserved, but in the absence of orders none has been found which would provide a secure future for the employees. The offshore supplies office of the Department of Energy will of course continue to ensure that Lewis Offshore Ltd., like other United Kingdom companies, receives full and fair consideration when tender lists are being drawn up.