§ 24. Mr. DonaldsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's strategy to assist the British shipbuilding industry. [120529]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonMy Department's strategy is to support and promote the UK shipbuilding industry, and in particular, 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, trade 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.
§ 35. Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the shipbuilding industry. [120540]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe Government's policies are to establish the macroeconomic conditions within which the management of individual industries and companies can maximise their output, growth and employment prospects. The Government do not make forecasts for individual industries in the private sector.