The Long March to Merger, 1965-1970
This chapter follows the lengthy process of the merger between Scotts and Lithgows Limited, taking place over a five year period between 1965 and 1970. It analyses whether or not the merger was inevitable via a detailed history of the contributing factors. It begins with the establishment of the Shipbuilding Inquiry Committee (SIC) and the efforts made to re-invigorate the industry to match international competitors; before tackling the labour question and employment concerns; the transition of the Admiralty to the Ministry of Defence; the status of the Warship Group; competition from Japanese shipyards; the revitalising recommendations of the SIC Report (Geddes Report); the establishment of the Shipbuilding Industry Board; and the difficult industrial relations that persisted throughout. It concludes by suggesting that the merger would be one of name only, due to the four years of unproductive talks, disruptions, and deliberations by those involved.