HC Deb 29 April 1959 vol 604 cc1255-6
8. Mr. Willey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the tonnage under construction in United Kingdom shipyards for registration abroad.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

Approximately 335,000 gross tons at 31st March this year, but in addition some 905,000 gross tons were on order.

Mr. Willey

Does the Civil Lord appreciate that this is the lowest figure since March, 1946, and that at the same time the amount of tonnage being constructed abroad for British shipowners is an all-time record? Again, does not the hon. Gentleman think that these factors should be called to the attention of both these industries?

Mr. Galbraith

The hon. Member has got it wrong. United Kingdom orders abroad are down this year compared with what they were last year.

Mr. Gower

Is my hon. Friend aware that shipowners, shipbrokers and all people connected with shipbuilding and ancillary industries seem to view this matter with greater gravity than his Answer today indicates that he regards it? Therefore, will my hon. Friend take serious note of the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) as one which deserves attention?

Mr. Galbraith

I do not wish the House to think that either myself or the Government are at all complacent about the state of the shipbuilding industry. All I am trying to point out to hon. Members is that when we have an order book of 5 million tons and when hardly any orders are being placed throughout the world, it is extremely difficult to get the impetus which a smaller order book or conditions in which orders were being placed throughout the world would encourage.

Mr. Willey

Is the Civil Lord aware, however, that my Question is about tonnage under construction and that the existing figures show that more tonnage is under construction for British owners abroad than ever before? Will the hon. Gentleman face up to this and see that the shipping industry recognises its responsibility also to British shipbuilders?