§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if consultations have taken place between his Department and Cunard Shipping Ltd. concerning the reengining of the QE2; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherDiscussions about the re-engining of the Queen Elizabeth 2 have taken place between Trafalgar House plc, the parent company of Cunard, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. On Friday 25 October Trafalgar House announced that the investment would go ahead but that, as no United Kingdom yard had been able to offer to carry out the work, the contract had been placed abroad. Nevertheless Trafalgar House announced that some £25 million or 30 per cent. of the total cost will be spent in the United Kingdom. GEC will supply the electric motors arid generating plant, while Harland and Wolff will supply certain engine components.