§ 35. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of orders for new ships has been placed during 1970 by British owners with British yards; and how this compares with previous years.
§ Sir J. EdenAbout 25 per cent. by value in 1970 compared with between 33 per cent. and 50 per cent. in the previous four years, but the estimated value of orders for United Kingdom registration placed in United Kingdom yards in 1970 at £287 million was the highest for over ten years.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not that answer, showing a declining number of ships on order in our own yards, disclose a disquieting position? In view of the situation in other countries, will the Government see what more can be done to put us at least on an even keel compared with other countries?
§ Sir J. EdenIn recent years the annual value of all orders for United Kingdom registration has been well above the value of the annual output of the shipbuilding industry.
§ Mr. McMasterWill my hon. Friend ensure that the British shipbuilding yards are not at a disadvantage compared with French and Italian yards, which are their immediate competitors? The French and Italian yards get a 15 or 16 per cent. direct subsidy which is not available to British yards.
§ Sir J. EdenThe British yards are in an extremely strong position and benefit from the shipbuilding credit facilities.