§ 2. Mr. Brewisasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if, when disposing of surplus ships, he will give priority to dismantling firms operating or intending to operate in areas of unemployment listed under the Local Employment Bill, such as Cairnryan, near Stranraer.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingNo, Sir. The current policy is for Government ships to be disposed of for scrapping through the British Iron and Steel Corporation (Salvage) Ltd. These arrangements are, however, at present being reviewed.
§ Mr. BrewisIs my hon. Friend aware that his Department could make a very considerable contribution here to curing local unemployment? Will he try to bring his policy into line with other Government Departments?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am well aware of the point which my hon. Friend has made, but I think that we have to look after the taxpayers' interest at the same time. It is a combination of factors.