HC Deb 31 May 1949 vol 465 cc147-8W
88. Mr. Awbery

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the tonnage of oil tankers now under construction for British owners; how this compares with a year ago; and if he is satisfied that this is sufficient to meet the immediate future needs of this country for oil.

Mr. W. Edwards

Oil tankers under construction for British owners at the end of April, 1949, totalled 330,750 gross tons. Comparable figures at the end of April, 1948, were 277,870 gross tons. The tankers required for the immediate future needs of this country are provided for and it is expected that British owners will continue to build up and modernise their fleets to match the requirements of the world's seaborne oil trade.