23 March 2000

ADAM INGRAM MEETS TRADES UNIONS RE HARLAND AND WOLFF

Adam Ingram, Minister of State, today met a trades unions delegation to discuss the current situation at Harland and Wolff.

Speaking after the meeting the Minister said: "Today’s meeting was both helpful and productive. We discussed contract opportunities.

"I assured the deputation that Government was committed to giving Harland and Wolff every support possible to help the company secure orders. I have taken on board a number of helpful and positive suggestions which they put forward and which I have undertaken to put to the company.

"With regard to possible Ministry of Defence work, I confirmed to the delegates that I have written to Baroness Symons, Minister for Defence Procurement, representing the Yard’s case and outlining its technological capability to handle specialised contracts.

"We also discussed the commercial reasons for the loss of the Queen Mary contract.

"Harland and Wolff has tremendous potential and it is in everyone’s interest that we dispel the myth that the loss of the Queen Mary contract was fatal for

the Yard. I am confident that there is a good future for the shipbuilding and marine construction industry here in Northern Ireland.

"It is extremely important at this crucial time that there is full co-operation between management, employees and the unions. I will be keeping in close contact with the situation and will be meeting Mr Fred Olsen, Chairman of Harland and Wolff Holdings plc and Directors on Monday (27 March). I will also meet the unions again in the near future."