18 Jan 2000
Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson today confirmed the Government’s support for the Clyde shipbuilding industry and stressed his belief in shipbuilding as "a modern industry for the future".
Speaking in a Commons debate, Mr Wilson stressed that forthcoming orders for the Ministry of Defence would be determined in accordance with the clear rules laid down for such contracts. He said that the successful tenderer for roll-on, roll-off ferries for the MoD is expected to be announced in July.
He added: "Perhaps the work that Govan is doing currently on the second Auxiliary Oiler will be the best testament to their ability to deliver the roll-on, roll-off ferries.
"I am sure Clyde yards will figure prominently on the other contracts that are in the pipeline for the Ministry of Defence – coastal survey vessels, Alternative Landing Support Logistics, Type 45 Destroyers and the Future Aircraft Carrier."
Mr Wilson said that the Government was currently implementing 40 recommendations by the Shipbuilding Forum, which it established, including enhanced support for the industry and measures to improve skills and training.
The Government was also "a leading advocate of effective international disciplines to deal with unfair trading practices" for which some Korea and some other low-cost Asian shipbuilding countries are responsible.
At its November meeting the EU Council of Industry Ministers agreed measures to combat Korean unfair practices. They are also working closely with the industry to see whether there is enough evidence to lodge an anti-subsidy case with the World Trade Organisation.
Mr Wilson concluded: "This Government recognises the importance of the shipbuilding industry in general, and on the Clyde in particular, and we will continue to do all we can to support it so that it has a secure and bright future."