§ 72. Mr. Swinglerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Dutch Government, which is represented on the Consultative Group Co-ordination Committee, is accepting orders for dredgers from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Poland, whereas Her Majesty's Government is not; and if, in view of the assurances that Western Governments would act uniformly in such matters, he will now permit British firms to accept orders from these countries.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasI understand that three dredgers are being built in Holland for the Sovietbloc. Certain dredger building firms in the United Kingdom have received inquiries as to the possibility of their undertaking orders for such vessels for these countries, and in the event of these firms applying for licences to build such craft I will give their applications sympathetic consideration.
As I informed the hon. Gentleman, in reply to his Question on 9th December, I have so far received no requests for licences for dredgers for the Soviet bloc.