HC Deb 29 July 1953 vol 518 c167W
107. Mr. Willey

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what factors have caused the fall in the percentage of the tonnage of world merchant shipbuilding commenced, launched and completed in British shipyards.

Mr. Digby

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to a similar Question from the hon. Member on 6th May last.

Mr. Willey

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount of the new merchant shipbuilding orders placed in British shipyards for the first six months of 1953 and for the corresponding period for 1952.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

During the first six months of this year licences to build 71 merchant vessels totalling 260,000 gross tons were issued to United Kingdom shipbuilders; this compares with licences for 175 vessels totalling 1,187,000 gross tons during the corresponding period of 1952.