§ 17. Dr. MoonieTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to privatise shipbuilding operations at Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersAs I indicated in my response to the Adjournment debate on 27 May, if there were to be an expression of interest in the acquisition of Harland and Wolff the Government would take any such proposal very seriously.
An expression of interest in the acquisition of Harland and Wolff has now come forward from Tikkoo Cruise Line Limited. The Government will consider this and any proposals from any other parties which might lead to the privatisation of the company.
§ 24. Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to meet trade union representatives from Harland and Wolff to discuss the future of the shipyards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no immediate plans to meet trade union representatives from Harland and Wolff. However, I understand he may meet union representatives within the Province later this year to discuss wider economic issues.