Scrap-and-Build Programme

HC Deb 12 July 1982 vol 27 cc259-60W

Mr. McMahon

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; and when this matter was last discussed at the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Butcher

Scrap-and-Build was last discussed at the Council of Ministers on 20 November 1979. There was considerable scepticism among member States as to whether any form of scrap and build would be cost effective, and the Commission has not put any fresh ideas forward since then.