§ 31. Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with Mr. Ravi Tikkoo on the future of the Harland and Wolff shipyard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersMy right hon. Friend met Mr. Tikkoo earlier this year. Discussions are being carried out by my officials and their advisors.
§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met trades union representatives from Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any recent meetings with trades union representatives from Harland and Wolff. He is, however, due to meet the Northern Ireland council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in the near future to discuss general economic issues.
§ 35. Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the state of current dicussions on his plans to privatise Harland and Wolff.
§ Mr. Tom KingThe Government have appointed merchant bankers to advise on possible privatisation. Preliminary discussions have been held with Tikkoo Cruise Line Ltd. but these are at a very early stage.
A number of other parties have also expressed an initial interest.