HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 cc824-5W
Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any meetings took place or written correspondence was exchanged between his Department and the European Commission relating to the sale of North East Shipbuilders Ltd. between 17 April and the date of the meeting between the right hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton) and Sir Leon Brittan.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

A full account of exchanges between my Department and the European Commission is contained in the note that my right hon. Friend has recently placed in the Library.

Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the reply by the right hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton), to the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Gould),Official Report, 13 July, column 1151, whether it was his Department or British Shipbuilders who informed the bidders for NESL of the anticipated difficulties with the European Commission; and whether this advice was provided in writing.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Advice was given orally by my officials.

Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on which date the right hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton) met Sir Leon Brittan to discuss the sale of North East Shipbuilders Ltd.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

My right hon. Friend met Sir Leon Brittan to discuss this matter on 27 June 1989.

Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date his Department was first made aware of a renewed interest in the purchase of North East Shipbuilders Ltd by the Egon Oldendorff line of West Germany.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

British Shipbuilders informed my Department on 13 April that an approach it had received from a further interest in North East Shipbuilders Ltd would be confirmed in writing that day.

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