§ 76. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has recently placed orders for 20 ships worth about £1 million each in foreign yards and none in British yards, because British prices were 30 per cent. higher and credit terms shorter than their com-
38WMinister for Welsh Affairs if he will give figures for the total number of houses built in England and Wales per 1,000 of the population for each of the years from 1950 to 1962 inclusive, with such comparable figures as are available for these years, from the Economic Commission for Europe, for France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ Sir K. JosephThe following is the answer:
petitors; what action he is taking to get similar orders placed here; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. While prices quoted and credit terms offered are commercial matters for the shipyards, I understand that generally British prices are competitive for the type of ships required by the Russians. The facilities of E.C.G.D. are available and credit terms should also be competitive.
As regards the last part of the Question, I understand that negotiations are still continuing for several orders in British yards.