§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what principle he allocates orders to the various shipbuilding and ship-repairing ports of Britain; and what proportion in value and tonnage is allocated to the various Scottish ports, respectively.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasAs regards the first part of the Question, Admiralty orders for shipbuilding and ship-repairing are allocated, in so far as it is practicable and economical to do so, to yards which are most in need of work; preference is given, other things being equal, to ports in Development Areas or areas of relatively high unemployment. I regret that I am unable in the public interest to disclose the information asked for in the latter part of the Question.