§ 127. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the decline this year as compared with previous years in the number and tonnage of ships laid down and under construction in Aberdeen ship yards; what is the cause of this; and what steps he is taking to restore the ship yards to full production.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsThe number of ships of 100 gross tons and upwards laid down and under construction in Aberdeen shipyards on the 30th April this year was the same as the number a year ago. The50W estimated gross tonnage of these ships was 13,000 compared with 18,000 a year ago, the difference being mainly due to the completion of two comparatively large ships last year. The future prosperity of these firms will depend on their ability to obtain further orders.