§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of consultations, and what decisions have been made, about the future employment at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast and in related shipbuilding industries in Northern Irleand. [HL2441]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonHarland and Wolff, following announcement on 10 May 2000 of a conditional order for up to six Roll-on/Roll-off passenger vessels, are currently reviewing levels of employment in the shipbuilding division which will apply during the interim period until major work can commence on that project early next year. The extent of redundancy to be introduced after the consultation expires on 7 June is a commercial matter for the company and will be dependent upon the amount of in-fill work which the company can secure in the interim and in the light of the projected forward workload at that time. Ministers and departments in Northern Ireland remain in close contact with the company in relation to these matters.