§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement following his recent talks with the President of the General Council of British Shipping.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement following his talks with the President of the General Council of British Shipping.
§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been 81W the result of his discussions with the shipping industry concerning the purchase of ships from British shipbuilders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ShoreI have been asked to reply also to the two Questions to the Secretary of State for Industry.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and I have had discussions with the General Council of British Shipping about greater co-operation between United Kingdom shipowners and United Kingdom shipyards in the placing of new orders. We reviewed the serious situation facing the British shipbuilding industry as a result of the worldwide shortage of orders and the excessive capacity among shipping lines for the cargoes available. It was agreed that, with a view to assisting the shipbuilding industry in its present difficulties, there should be detailed discussions between the General Council, the Organising Committee of British Shipbuilders and the Government, and these have already begun.