§ 63. Mr. Willeyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, according to Lloyd's Register, the percentage of the world total of shipbuilding commenced in British shipyards during 1952 fell to 24.6 per cent., compared with 36.3 per cent. in 1951; and what steps he is taking to improve the position in 1953.
§ Mr. DigbyYes, but I would observe that, as previously explained to the House, the present decline in the United Kingdom's share of world shipbuilding is an inevitable consequence of the rehabilitation and expansion of the capacity of foreign shipyards in the post-war period. The increased supplies of steel, which I hope will become available in the course of 1953, should enable the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry to improve on the present rate of building.
§ 64. Mr. Willeyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the tonnage of shipbuilding under construction at 31st December, 1952, was 64,000 gross tons less than at 31st December, 1951; and whether he will immediately consult the representatives of the industry to endeavour to increase the amount of tonnage now under construction.
§ Mr. DigbyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 2nd February to the hon. Member for West Ham, South (Mr. Elwyn Jones) as regards the first part of the Question.
The reply to the second part is, consequently, "No."