§ 30. Mr. GARDNERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Unilever Limited has placed an order for two ships of 8,000 tons each and one tanker vessel of 6,400 tons with Messrs. Howald's Werke, of Hamburg; and whether he will give an assurance that no such ships will be eligible for any Government subsidy to be granted in the future?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have seen what has appeared in the Press on this subject. As regards the latter part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Government's proposals.
§ Mr. LOGANIn view of the unemployment on the Merseyside, can the right hon. Gentleman intervene and make representations to Messrs. Unilever, Ltd., to see whether the building of these ships can be done on the Merseyside instead of by foreign firms?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would very much rather see the ships built here than abroad. The only information I have is that which has appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITEIs not this transaction a matter of barter payment for oil, and will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter from this point of view to see if there is any possibility of helping British shipbuilding?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not know whether, it is within my duty to inquire what has been the form of payment in this matter. All I can do is to take note of the fact and take whatever steps seem to be advisable.
§ Mr. LOGANMay I ask again whether the right hon. Gentleman cannot intervene and get these ships built on the Merseyside?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would point out that the Merseyside is not the only shipbuilding district in the country.