HC Deb 06 July 1981 vol 8 cc20-1W
Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what stage the European Commission's proposals for a scrap and build programme for the shipbuilding industry have reached; when this was last discussed in the Council of Ministers; and if it is his intention to seek progress on this matter during the British Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Michael Marshall

We do not intend to raise scrap and build during the United Kingdom Presidency. Scrap and build was last discussed at the Council of Ministers on 20 November 1979 and it was clear that the majority of EEC member State did not support it. Since then there has been some recovery in the shipbuilding market and subsidies throughout the Community are being reached.