§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what matters he discussed relating to domestic and international shipbuilding markets at his last meeting with representatives of management and trade unions in the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry. [111542]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonOn 13 October 1998, I attended the most recent meeting of the Shipbuilding Forum which comprises representatives of management and trade unionists in the shipbuilding industry, its suppliers and customers, as well as key Government Departments. At the Forum, I discussed a wide range of topics including the domestic and international ship market, UK competitiveness, productivity and employment, improvements the Department had made to the Shipbuilding Intervention Fund and the Home Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme and individual prospective orders. I also received reports on the projects which my Department is supporting to enhance the competitiveness of the industry.
Since that formal meeting, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have had other meetings with industry representatives&management and unions&as well as interested hon. Members. Again, discussion has included the wide range of topics I have just outlined.