HC Deb 13 June 1978 vol 951 c520W
Mr. Craig

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Harland and Wolff has any plans for the introduction of new types of engine building in view of the very serious shortage of orders at its engine works.

Mr. Concannon

Yes. Harland and Wolff has recently concluded a commercial agreement with Maschinenfabrik-Augsburg-Nurnburg (MAN) to build and market medium-speed diesel engines. Manufacture of these engines will provide an indigenous source of supply for engines which would otherwise need to be imported into the United Kingdom, and there will also be export opportunities. This project should eventually safeguard some 400 jobs in the engine works. The position of the works remains serious, however, and with my backing the company will continue to make every effort to secure additional orders.