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Mr. Robert C. Brown
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions his Department has had with potential purchasers of privatised shipyards about possible Government financial support for maintaining after privatisation capacity utilisation at levels similar to those occurring prior to privatisation.
Mr. Butcher
[pursuant to the reply, 28 January 1985, c. 46]: There have been no such discussions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked British Shipbuilders to set in hand action to dispose of its warshipbuilding interests. The Government's intention is that, wherever possible, the yards will be sold to purchasers who intend to continue shipbuilding and who can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and finance.