§ 12. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Transport the size of our dry cargo fleet now, and in 1939; what rate of construction is needed to maintain it at today's size; and what is the present rate.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe tonnage of dry cargo ships (excluding all ships with more than 12 passengers) registered in the United Kingdom last December was 9,899,000 gross tons as compared with 9,947,000 gross tons in September, 1939. The new tonnage delivered to United Kingdom owners in 1952 amounted to 397,000 tons, but I am unable to say whether this rate of new construction will maintain the size of the fleet, because I cannot forecast the amount of tonnage which may be lost to the register.
§ Mr. GrimondIs it not the case that in spite of the heavy decline in transshipping and the change-over to cargo liners, there has been an overall decline since before the war? Will the right hon. Gentleman look very carefully into this question and make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that this is a very serious matter?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere has been an overall decline between September, 1939, and December, 1952, from 13,863,000 to 12,834,000 gross tons. I will certainly see that my right hon. Friend reads, as I am sure he will, the Question of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Commander Scott-MillerIs my right hon. Friend aware that the average age of our dry cargo ships is alarmingly high, and that unless every chance is given to get these ships replaced, we shall find a replacement problem before us with which the shipyards will be unable to cope?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will bear that in mind.