§ 33. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made by the Committee under Lord Chandos, in fixing the conditions for the building of the two Cunard liners.
§ Mr. MarplesI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Montgomery) on the 18th November. I now understand, however, that the Committee may not complete its report until next month.
§ 56. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government are to provide financial aid towards the cost of the proposed new "Queen" liners, what part Her Majesty's Government will play in deciding with which shipbuilding firm or firms the contract or contracts will be placed.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Government have not entered into any commitment to provide financial aid towards the cost of replacing the "Queens". As I said in answer to a previous Question by the hon. Member on 4th November last, no decision will be taken in this matter until the Report of the Chandos Committee has been received and considered.