HC Deb 05 May 1966 vol 727 cc1848-50
26. Dame Irene Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the northern shipbuilders are unable to accept orders from foreign shipowners; what action his Department is taking in this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jay

I am aware that many British shipyards have long order books and, with their present resources and organisation, cannot offer early delivery on all the business available.

I am in close touch with the industry on the implementation of the proposals in the Report of the Geddes Committee, which should enable the industry to compete more effectively for overseas orders.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has not said a word about British shipbuilders having to refuse orders, which is the question that I want answered? When is he going to make a statement on the problems which have arisen due to America's interference with British shipping and British shipbuilding? May we have a full debate on this important subject? The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the question.

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is long enough.

Mr. Jay

The main difficulty about accepting more orders at the moment is that the yards are fully employed, particularly with overseas orders. The next step is to increase productivity and efficiency in the industry, and that is why we are rapidly following up the proposals of the Geddes Committee.

Mr. Rankin

How far north does "northern" go—as far as Fairfields? If the hon. Lady has any difficulty, we will take the orders at Fairfields.

Mr. R. W. Elliott

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult shipbuilders, particularly on the Tyne? If he does, he will realise that it is not only full order books which are prevening the acceptance of orders, but also the difficulty of long-term contracting and the long-term quoting. If the right hon. Gentleman consults shipbuilders on the Tyne he will realise that it is the rapidly rising cost of production which is preventing the acceptance of orders.

Mr. Jay

There is some truth in that, and we are discussing this now with the shipbuilding employers.