§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the negotiations being carried out by British Shipbuilders for the building of ships for India contemplate anyone other than the British taxpayer, by way of overseas oil and shipbuilding subsidy, making any contribution to the cost of these ships; and whether he will make a statement on the present position in those negotiations.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have been asked to reply. I hope that agreement will shortly be reached with the Indian Government on the supply under the British aid programme of six cargo ships. The whole cost of providing the ships would be met from public funds.