§ 89. Mr. Swinglerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many applications he has received since 1st January, 1953, for licences for the export of dredgers to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Poland; and what reply he has made to the applicants.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasNone. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has yet decided whether the orders offered to 240W British shipbuilding yards to build ships for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics may be accepted; what is the extent of these orders expressed in terms of money, kind and number of ships involved; and where they will be executed.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasAs I informed the House in reply to the Question asked by the honourable Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) on 25th November, it has been decided that contracts for about 30 trawlers and fish factory ships can now be accepted. No contracts have yet been signed but negotiations are taking place.