HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 c81W
13 and 14. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport (1) how many ships are now being built abroad for British shipowners; and how many British vessels are undergoing major repairs in Continental ship-repairing yards;

(2) in how many cases of British vessels being repaired in Continental ship-repairing yards was the work given by tender; and what was the percentage difference between the prices in the British yards and those of the accepted tender.

Mr. Barnes

No ship is now being built in a foreign country for British owners. Two British ships are now undergoing major repairs in Continental ports. In both cases the shipowners invited tenders from a number of ship repairers. The best British estimates were 25 per cent. and 26 per cent. higher in cost, respectively; and 30 per cent. and 100 per cent. longer in time.