Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Shipbuilding Sector

Wednesday 29 June 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The updated shipbuilding strategy published in March includes over 4 billion investment in UK shipbuilding over three years, benefiting Scottish shipbuilders.
  • My hon. Friend asserts that the UK Government is delivering significant investment for shipbuilding in Scotland, contrasting with the Scottish Government's approach.
  • CalMac's engineering head has warned that vessels could fail at any time due to inadequate maintenance, with over 30 percent of the fleet exceeding their design lifespan.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jane Stevenson
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from concerns about Scotland's shipbuilding industry and the government's role in supporting it.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to help support Scotland's shipbuilding sector?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The updated shipbuilding strategy published in March sets out a comprehensive package of government support. Over £4 billion will be invested in UK shipbuilding over the next three years, including opportunities for Scottish shipbuilders.

Answered
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Q2 Tom Randall
Scotland
Context

The UK government has committed £4 billion to deliver naval and civil vessels over 30 years, contrasting with the Scottish government's handling of ferry projects.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that the UK Government is delivering for shipbuilding in Scotland compared to the Scottish Government's approach?

Answer from Iain Stewart

My hon. Friend is correct; the UK Government is indeed delivering significant investment, unlike the poor record of the Scottish Government.

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Q3 Jane Stevenson
Scotland
Context

Concerns over the lifespan and replacement of ferries managed by CalMac, highlighting issues like maintenance delays.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that Scottish Government needs to address urgent issues related to ferry lifespans and maintenance?

Answer from Iain Stewart

My hon. Friend is right; CalMac's engineering head warned vessels could fail at any time due to lack of deep maintenance and over 30% of fleet beyond design life.

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Q4 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Scotland
Context

Acknowledging the engineering excellence in Scottish shipbuilding but questioning the impact of independence on future orders.

Question

Does the Minister agree with the Minister for the Armed Forces about the record of warship building in Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

Scotland has a proud history of shipbuilding, but future orders are threatened by plans to break up the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the specific agreement on warship building excellence

How: Threatened By Independence

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Q5 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about wasted resources on ferry projects and the independence referendum.

Question

Does the Minister agree that moves to improve shipbuilding are more important than past failures?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The hon. Lady is correct; our long-term vision and strategy provide confidence for investments in Scottish yards, both military and civilian.

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