§ 73. Mr. Day (for Mr. David Adams)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has intimated to British shipowners the express desire of the Government that all orders for new tonnage shall be placed in British shipyards; and what are his proposals to prevent lower foreign quotations being accepted?
§ Mr. CrossI am sure that the British shipping industry is aware of the importance attached by the Government to the placing of orders with British shipyards. As regards the second part of the question, I would invite the hon. Member's particular attention to those parts of my right hon. Friend's announcement of 28th March which relate to the proposed schemes of grants and loans in respect of British ships built in this country.
§ Mr. CrossThe first part of the question is clearly covered by my reply, particularly when I told the House that the results of the schemes of assistance that are being suggested by my right hon. Friend have been extremely satisfactory. The number of orders placed and the number of orders of which we have received notification for new ships are 1886 approximately of the nature of 1,000,000 gross tons.
§ Mr. DayDoes not the question ask whether there has been any intimation of the desire of the Government to the shipowners by the Board of Trade?