§ 64. Mr. Willeyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the tonnage under construction in United Kingdom shipyards in September was over 200,000 gross tons less than the figure for September, 1951.
§ Mr. DigbyThe figures quoted by the hon. Member appear to be those which include tonnage for which materials are being worked prior to keel-laying, as well as actual construction on the stocks and fitting-out. On this basis of assessment, substantial variations in the figures from quarter to quarter are to be expected.
The figure for September, 1952, is not very much below the average quarterly figure for the past three years compiled on the same basis. This decline was due to a number of factors, including the shortage of steel.
§ 65. Mr. Willeyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the tonnage commenced in United Kingdom shipyards in the 12 months ended September, 1952, is only 26 per cent. of the world total compared with 38 per cent. for the 12 months ended September, 1951.
§ Mr. DigbyAs I informed the House on 14th October, the rehabilitation of shipyards in Japan, Germany and other West European countries is inevitably reducing the proportion of world shipping built in the United Kingdom. I think the change is more accurately reflected in a comparison of actual output in the United216W Kingdom and other countries than on the basis selected by the hon. Member.