§ 17. Major GLYNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have now obtained all the necessary information to enable a decision to be taken concerning the proposal to provide credit facilities to enable the Soviet Government to construct ships in British shipyards for subsequent employment as merchant vessels under the Russian flag; 206 and, since the matter was being considered as a matter of urgency early this month, if he can state what is the decision of the Government?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThis matter is still under consideration.
§ Major GLYNHave any representations been made to the Department by shipbuilding firms or shipowners?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, I have received a deputation of ship builders, and we have had numerous communications in writing from shipowners.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman also received representations from the workmen affected and that they are the most important here? There are about 25 per cent. in the shipbuilding and engineering industry unemployed, and this would be the means of finding employment for them.
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have certainly received representations from the trade unions. Every point put forward by all deputations must be considered before a decision is reached.