§ Q1. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister what action he will take upon the request sent to him by the annual conference of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions that an urgent investigation be made into the reasons why orders are being placed abroad for ships and the repairing of ships and into foreign competition.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has invited the Confederation to discuss this resolution adopted at its annual conference.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWhile appreciating that reply, may I ask the Prime Minister if he agrees with me that the shipbuilding industry of Britain is among the best in the world? Since this industry's competitive position has worsened, will he now agree that the Government should go fully into this matter—and deal with the high costs of raw materials and so on that are having to be borne by the industry—so that it may be put in a better competitive position?
§ The Prime MinisterAll the aspects will be taken fully into account, and discussions are going on with both ship-owners and ship builders.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsWhile accepting the value of the £60 million credit scheme and the importance of getting as much efficiency into the industry as possible, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he accepts that considerable difficulties are made for the industry in getting overseas orders, especially from South Africa, where certain orders have been cancelled and others placed in jeopardy because of the stated policy of the Labour Party?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these problems have to be taken into account.