71. Mr. Wileyasked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take in view of the fact that British shipbuilding output has fallen to 13 per cent. of the world total.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe reasons for this fall are complex and there is no single and simple remedy. Our principal aims must be to maintain and improve the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry and the prosperity of British shipowners, who are its principal customers. There is no lack of vigour in the way in which both industries and the Government are tackling this.