HC Deb 28 July 1952 vol 504 cc1093-4
54. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Transport if he will invite to an early meeting representatives of shipping and shipbuilding companies for the purpose of considering the need for modernisation and modifications of pre-war built North Atlantic passenger ships.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The British shipping lines can be relied on to do what- ever is necessary to maintain their first-rate service on the North Atlantic for which they are rightly famed.

Mr. Smith

Does the Minister agree that, in view of the size of ships now and the present cost of building, the Government should now intervene in order that we can hold our own on the seas of the world?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think that we are most certainly holding our own today.

Mr. Shinwell

While everybody recognises how important it is to modernise passenger vessels, will the Minister of Transport give some consideration to the need—which will become urgent in the course of the next three or four years—to build the right kind of tramps?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, Sir.

Mr. W. G. Bennett

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the prestige of this country has always been bound up with the quality and speed of our ships; and in view of that fact will the Government give this matter their very early and earnest consideration?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

While recognising the great achievement of the "United States," we must also recognise that our reputation on the Atlantic has in no way suffered by the events of the last few weeks.

Mr. Smith

Does the Minister not realise that it is not only the Atlantic; that British ship builders have proved themselves to be among the best in the world, and in view of the present difficulties should the Government not give them more encouragement than they are doing?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I feel quite certain that British lines know that I and the Government are always ready to meet them on any occasion when they feel they need any help.

Mr. Beswick

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that last year twice as many people crossed the Atlantic by air as crossed by first-class steamer; and will he therefore get a move on with the aircraft which I indicated last week?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No doubt we shall be discussing that in the debate this afternoon.