46. Commander Maitlandasked the Prime Minister, in view of the many problems facing the shipping and shipbuilding industries, namely, shortage of steel, the need for deep-water ports, financial and taxation difficulties and the need to construct much larger ships, and of the importance of co-ordinating policy in this field in the national interest, if he will take an early opportunity to state the policy of the Government on these problems and what steps he proposes to take to assist in their solution.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I recognise the concern of my hon. and gallant Friend in these important questions. The various aspects of these problems are being studied by Her Majesty's Government in consultation with the commercial interests concerned. Some progress has already been made. The Government will keep the House informed of developments.
Commander MaitlandDoes the Prime Minister realise it is important not only that the Government should take a lead in this matter but that they should appear to take a lead and the industries should know that that is happening?