HC Deb 13 May 1985 vol 79 cc15-6W
Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in negotiations over the sale of Scott Lithgow, Trafalgar House was asked to give any indication of its employment projections for the years 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.

Mr. Butcher

At the time of sale Trafalgar House indicated that it expected employment to be about 2,000 initially, with subsequent levels depending on its ability to secure new orders.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations took place between his Department and Trafalgar House over the decision by Trafalgar House to seek several hundred redundancies at the Scott Lithgow yard.

Mr. Butcher

None.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether in his negotiations for the sale of Scott Lithgow, Trafalgar House was asked for a commitment to maintain manning levels at the yard.

Mr. Butcher

Trafalgar House was not asked for a commitment to maintain manning levels at the yard. When we returned the yard to the private sector we were giving it a second chance, not guaranteeing its future.