§ 72. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the continuing steady decrease in shipbuilding in total and percentage and, in particular, to the proportion of world trade which amounts to about 10 per cent. less than the corresponding figures of 1952 compared with an increase of 10 per cent. by other countries for 1953 and is at present the lowest proportion since 1947; and what steps are being taken to improve the position.
§ Mr. DigbyYes, although I am not very clear to which exact periods the hon. Member is referring. I assume they are the 12 months ending 31st March, 1952, and 31st March, 1953. The steel plate distribution scheme, which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply announced12W to the House on 20th April, is designed to assist the shipbuilding industry in overcoming the steel plate shortage, the main handicap from which it is at present suffering.