§ 25. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the prospects for orders for ships and engineering equipment for ships from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, China and the South-East Asian countries; 24W to what extent British firms enter tenders when such contracts are put out to tender; what finance facilities are offered by Her Majesty's Government for obtaining such orders; and to what extent they are used by British firms.
§ Mr. GreenMy right hon. Friend understands that several British yards have received inquiries from the Soviet authorities and that a number of tenders have been submitted. He hopes that they will be successful.
A Chinese delegation visited British yards last year but has, so far as I am aware, not asked for tenders. As regards South-East Asia, I understand that a contract has just been signed in London for a large off-shore tin dredger for Indonesia; and that there have been inquiries from Thailand.
The facilities of the Export Credits Guarantee Department are available and are normally used by British shipyards when tendering in these, as in other markets.
§ 57. Mr. P. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce a further deal with Russia involving the construction and sale of ships; and on what terms such a deal might be concluded.