§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what help he is giving to the shipbuilding industry. [130760]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonMy Department's strategy is to assist the industry to improve its competitiveness. In July 1998 my Department established the Shipbuilding Forum whose membership comprises representatives of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, trades unions, equipment suppliers and customers, both private and public sector. Also involved are the National Training Organisation for the marine sector and relevant Government Departments. The Forum's terms of reference are to consider the current situation of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry and how to improve its competitiveness so as to increase its share of the European market, leading to increased output, profitability and employment.
28WIn addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State chaired a meeting on 13 July where a number of Ministers, including my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, met leading members of the shipbuilding industry and trades unions to discuss the further steps necessary to build a world class shipbuilding industry.
Following that meeting, the Government will take forward discussions on the issues raised on skills, training, productivity and financial support and then present them to the Shipbuilding Forum meeting in the autumn.