HC Deb 02 May 1939 vol 346 cc1675-6
23. Miss Wilkinson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the growing apprehension regarding the shipbuilding capacity of this country in case of war, he will now take steps to ensure that the sterilisation clauses in the contracts for sale of shipyards by National Shipbuilders Security, Limited, which are against public policy, should be nullified, and that the continued activities of National Shipbuilders Security, Limited, in clearing shipyards, being against the public interest, should cease?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

The position with regard to the availability of shipbuilding facilities in time of emergency is being closely watched, but I see no reason for taking the course the hon. Member suggests.

Miss Wilkinson

Is the Minister aware that these private companies, before they were closed down and paralysed, represented one-third of the shipbuilding capacity of this country; and does he consider that it is in the public interest that this vital service should be closed down?

Mr. Stanley

Certainly the position must be watched. I am glad to say that, as a result of the Government's proposals, a large number of new orders for ships have been placed, and the prospects are much better for the shipbuilding industry, but I am afraid that that does not mean that the available capacity is filled, and any proposal to reopen these yards would only mean taking away work from other yards which are now open.

Miss Wilkinson

Surely the right hon. Gentleman realises that this means complete ruin for 40 years—the clearing of the site and the scrapping of the machinery; and does he think that that should take place now, in view of the potential capacity of these shipyards, which may be vital in the event of an emergency?

Mr. Stanley

Certainly I shall watch very carefully any proposals to close further shipyards.

Mr. Edwards

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that Middlesbrough, which used to be a very important shipbuilding centre, and built the best ships in the world, will be prevented by this Clause from building any more ships for 40 years?

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