§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the percentage increase in the cost of remuneration for the labour force at Messrs. Harland and Wolff during the latest period of 12 months for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Adam Butler[pursuant to his reply, 26 June 1981]: The total cost of remuneration for the labour force at Harland and Wolff during the financial year ending 31 March 1981 was 4 per cent. below that of the preceding year.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give details of the Harland and Wolff order book at the present time and 12 months previously, and of all ships delivered to customers in the interval, specifying in each case whether delivery was on time, ahead of schedule or behind schedule; and by how much.
§ Mr. Adam Butler[pursuant to his reply, 26 June 1981]: The Harland and Wolff order book currently comprises one ferry for British Rail Sealink, two LPG gas carriers for charter to Shell International Petroleum Company and two oil tankers for British Petroleum.
Since June 1980 Harland and Wolff has handed over two ferries to British Rail Sealink. The detailed performance of a shipbuilding contract is a commercial matter between the company and its customer.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will tabulate and quantify any improvements in the performance of the Harland and Wolff shipyards achieved since 1 July 1980.
§ Mr. Adam Butler[pursuant to his reply, 26 June 1981]: Detailed figures about the performance of Harland and Wolff are commercially confidential, but I understand that there is evidence of real improvements in, for instance, steelwork productivity.