§ 2. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport what provision he intends to include in the Estimates for 1962–63 for advances to Cunard White Star Limited, for the construction of a large vessel, as authorised by the North Atlantic Shipping Act, 1961.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 13th December.
§ Mr. RankinHas the Minister not yet realised that the idea of building a 75,000-ton replacement for the "Queen Mary" is now as dead as the dodo? Will he not reconsider the whole matter and give his mind instead to the building of two 40,000-ton replacements? Does he realise that such a plan would bring much greater support to shipbuilding than that which is now being entertained?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThat is a matter for the Cunard Company, in the first instance. It has informed us that it does not expect to be in a position to make further proposals until the second quarter of this year, when it has completed its reassessment of traffic prospects.
§ Mr. J. HowardDoes not my hon. and gallant Friend agree that the suggestion that we should have two 40,000-ton liners instead of a 70,000-ton liner is entirely irrelevant?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI would rather not be drawn into this matter. It does not arise directly from the Question.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that the question of its relevance is quite irrelevant to the point before us now? Is he telling us that Parliament has to await the pleasure of the Cunard Company while shipbuilding is going through a most difficult period?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI do not know whether the hon. Member is suggesting that we should build a Government-owned ship to cross the North Atlantic. So far, that has not been suggested.