§ 40. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Transport if he will seek immediate 1312 consultations with the Shell Oil Company to discuss the need to ensure that British shipyards shall have the opportunity to build oil vessels that that company may require.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI understand that Shell intend to build up to six large tankers and are seeking tenders from 15 shipyards, nine of which are British.
§ Mr. WainwrightHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman approached the Shell Oil Company to ensure that these ships are built in the shipyards of this country? Does he not appreciate that there are many shipyards where machinery is almost rusting because of lack of orders? Will he not do more than he is doing and have these consultations to make certain that the ships are built in this country?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe naturally hope that these ships will be built in this country, but we cannot force the company. It has already shown its interest, and it would not be appropriate to try to influence it any further. I remind the hon. Member that of the existing Shell fleet no less than 85 per cent. was built in this country.
§ Mr. McMasterIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that some of our competitors, foreign countries, subsidise shipbuilding? Will he make sure that British yards do not suffer any disadvantage as a result of those subsidies on the Continent and elsewhere?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe are aware that some countries make direct subsidies and we are also aware that indirect assistance is given. I ask my hon. Friend to await the announcement which I said would be made before the Whitsun Recess.
§ Mr. RankinThe hon. and gallant Gentleman said that nine British shipyard companies were interested in building these ships. Would he use his influence to see that the order is spread fairly among the shipbuilding companies of Britain?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettNo, Sir. I cannot give that undertaking.
§ Mr. RankinWhy not?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettPrivate companies, as are the Government, are bound to place the orders at the yards which offer the best tenders.