FURTHER investment in Clyde shipyards (Letters, September 26) would not only enable ships for the Royal Navy to be built more economically but would also enhance the prospects of obtaining export orders, which provided a vital part of the workload of the previous Yarrow shipbuilding company now owned by BAE Systems.

Although retired from shipbuilding activities for more than 40 years, I have seen the most impressive plans for development at Scotstoun which, if carried out, would make the facilities for building surface naval ships among the finest and most efficient anywhere in the world.

Like other governments with a shipbuilding industry, surely all concerned should have another careful look at such an important investment.

Sir Eric Yarrow,

Craigrowan, Kilmacolm.