32. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Technology what was the value of orders held by British shipyards at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will state the comparable figures for the same dates in 1966 and 1965.
§ Mr. DellIt is estimated that at the end of March merchant ships to the value of £260 million and fighting ships to the value of £283 million were on order from British yards. The comparable figures for the end of March, 1965, were £339 million and £240 million, and the end of March, 1966, £321 million and £252 million.