§ 12. Dame Irene Wardasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will give an assurance that naval shipbuilding orders will not be diverted from private shipbuilding yards to naval dockyards.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingWe do not at present plan to change our long-standing policy of building a few ships in the Royal Dockyards, but I can assure my hon. Friend that by far the greater part of naval new construction will continue to be built by contractors.
§ Dame Irene WardCould my hon. Friend state roughly the percentage of new construction which he has placed in commercial yards? Could he also tell me whether new ships are likely to be built shortly in the commercial yards?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThe percentage varies from time to time—it is now about 90 per cent.—and this large part will continue to be built in commercial yards. We are about to invite competitive tenders for three of the new Leander Class frigates. Orders are also in the offing for several fleet auxiliary vessels.
§ Mr. H. HyndIn reaching his decision, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the primary consideration must be the pockets of the taxpayers?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThat is why I announced the competitive tenders. We have this very much in mind.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my hon. Friend also bear in mind that the pockets of the taxpayers will be helped if we have a strong Navy defending the security of this country?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am very glad to have such a robust ally.