HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc367-8W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give a general direction to British Shipbuilders to confine its activities relating to the manufacture of medium-speed diesel engines to marine engines as denned by Schedule 2, Part II, to the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act.

Mr. Les Huckfield

No.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what discussions he has had with British Shipbuilders concerning future investment in manufacturing medium-speed diesel engines, other than marine engines as denned by Schedule 2, Part II, to the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act;

(2) if British Shipbuilders has submitted to his Department any detailed expenditure plans with respect to the production of medium-speed diesel engines, other than marine engines, as detailed under Schedule 2, Part II, to the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act; and if he will publish in the Official Report any such plans or proposals.

Mr. Les Huckfield

British Shipbuilders is due to submit to my right hon. Friend this year its corporate plan which will cover its plans for its marine engineering business.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has recently received from the British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers Association in connection with the operation of the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act in relation to British Shipbuilders' plans to build medium-speed engines.

Mr. Kaufman

My right hon. Friend has been asked by BICEMA not to give any consent or general authority to British Shipbuilders to set up medium speed engine building facilities in competition with existing producers. My right hon. Friend has received no request from British Shipbuilders for any such consent, and understands that it considers that it already has the powers to engage in the production of such engines.