§ 10. Mr. Maxtonasked the Minister of Shipping the tonnage of merchant shipping under construction in the shipyards of the United Kingdom; and how much of the total is directly on Government orders?
§ Sir J. GilmourI hope that the hon. Member will not press for figures, but I may say that over one-fifth of the total tonnage at present on order or under construction is on Government account.
§ Mr. MaxtonWhy should there be any objection to giving figures of merchant shipping in building? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that figures have been given of the total tonnage, the sunk tonnage, and all the rest of it? Why cannot we have the merchant tonnage that is being built?
§ Sir J. GilmourI am of opinion that it would be undesirable at the present moment to give definite figures, but I am perfectly willing to give them to any Member of Parliament in confidence.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the amount of merchant shipping under construction on Government and private order is totally inadequate for our needs?
§ Mr. MaxtonThat is the implication of the right hon. Gentleman's refusal to answer.