HC Deb 10 December 1953 vol 521 c280W
122. Mr. Hamilton

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how much merchant shipping is at present under construction in United Kingdom shipyards and destined for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and to what extent he anticipates that such construction will expand within the next 12 months.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

No ships are under construction in British shipyards for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics but, as I informed the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) yesterday, negotiations are taking place about the possible building of trawlers and fish factory ships. I am not in a position to forecast what construction there will be next year.