HC Deb 17 June 1953 vol 516 cc67-8W
79. Mr. Grimond

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give the tonnage of the orders for cargo ships and tankers, respectively, which have been cancelled in British shipyards in the last two months; and the principal reasons for such cancellations.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

The cancellations of merchant ship orders notified to the Admiralty by shipbuilders since the beginning of April amount to 18,330 gross tons of dry cargo vessels and 54,110 gross tons of tankers. No reason is normally given for cancellation other than that it is at the request of the owners.