§ 38. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on his discussions with the shipbuilding industry about its future.
§ Mr. MarplesI have nothing to add to my Answer of 20th June to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. AlbuWhile I recognise that many of the difficulties facing the shipbuilding industry are not of its own creation, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has seen some very serious criticisms made about the industry in a series of articles in Lloyd's List during March and April? Do not those articles require a serious reply or some action from him?
§ Mr. MarplesI have not seen the articles but will look at them and write to the hon. Gentleman. A sub-committee is considering shipbuilding, and I understand that the D.S.I.R. will be co-opted to it at some stage of the discussion so that the scientific and research aspect will not be neglected.