HC Deb 06 April 1939 vol 345 cc2979-80
53. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the shipping subsidy, it is proposed that, so far as may be reasonably possible, all materials, fittings, and machinery supplied in connection with new ships shall be of United Kingdom or Empire origin?

Mr. Stanley

I regard it as important that shipbuilders who secure orders by reason of the proposals which I announced last week should use British materials so far as they possibly can; and I am asking the Shipbuilding Conference to impress this on the shipbuilders who may receive such orders.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend that a prohibition of this kind should become operative, irrespective of the class of material required; and does he not regard a prohibition of this kind as likely to add to the difficulties of shipowners and shipbuilders in this country?

Mr. Stanley

It is not a question of prohibition. Both the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams) in his question and I, in my answer, limited the reference to the use of British materials "as far as possible" and that is a question on which, I think, the whole House is agreed.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that both shipbuilders and shipowners have made representations to his Department that the price of materials is high and adds to the difficulties of shipowners in giving orders for new tonnage, and that any kind of prohibition or restriction on the importation of raw materials will add further to the cost?

Mr. Stanley

There is no kind of prohibition or restriction. The hon. Gentleman had better read my answer. It is to the effect that, wherever possible, they should use British materials, and I am sure that the whole House and shipbuilders and shipowners all agree with that.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Have the Government taken into consideration imposing a tariff on foreign-built ships, built with cheap labour for British owners?

Forward to