Lowestoft

HC Deb 10 December 1958 vol 597 cc332-3

16. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the rising incidence in unemployment in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing yards at Lowestoft, he will reconsider his decision not to place contracts for light craft and repairing work in that port.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

As I told the hon. Member on 9th July, Admiralty contracts for this sort of work are now few and far between, and they must be shared out among a good many deserving areas besides Lowestoft. However, we are watching the position, and, if the opportunity occurs, we will do all we can to improve the order books.

Mr. Evans

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that very small ray of hope, may I call his attention to the fact that, every week, skilled shipwrights and technicians are being discharged because of lack of orders? In view of the long history that the port of Lowestoft has in relation to Admiralty contracts, will he see if anything can be done to ameliorate the deplorable position that is arising in the port?

Mr. Galbraith

I am very conscious of the position there, and very sympathetic towards places like the port in the hon. Member's constituency, but I do not really think that it would be honest of me were I to hold out much hope of any change in the near future.

Mr. Callaghan

Is there any objection in principle to foreign Governments placing orders for small craft for the defence of their coasts with shipyards of this sort, and are such orders being executed at the moment?

Mr. Galbraith

I think that the hon. Gentleman is merely trying to get an answer to a Question that he addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary on Monday.

Mr. Callaghan

With great respect, I am not. What I am asking is whether, in principle, there is any objection—and I am not referring to any specific country —to foreign Governments placing orders for small craft, which would relieve unemployment, and whether he can tell us if such orders are being executed at the moment?

Mr. Galbraith

No. If the hon. Gentleman really wants an answer to his question, I suggest that he put it on the Order Paper.