§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the President of the Board of Trade how many berths in the Greenock area were occupied with merchant shipping under construction, and how many berths there were vacant as at the 1st January, 1939; how many of the merchant ships then under construction have since been launched; how many keels for new ships have been laid in this area since the 1st January, 1939; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the prospects of shipbuilding in this area during the current year?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonI understand that the position in the Port Glasgow and Greenock area on the 1st January, 1939, was substantially the same as at the end of February last, when the hon. and learned Member was informed that there were 18 ocean-going ships under construction and that berths with capacity for 19 such vessels were vacant. Since the beginning of the year 14 vessels have been launched, but my right hon. Friend has no information as to the number of keels laid, though he understands that orders for 22 new merchant ships have been placed. This clearly points to a substantial improvement in the prospects of the shipbuilding industry in the area during the current year.