§ 80. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by British shipping companies in placing shipbuilding contracts with British shipbuilding yards; that as a consequence many British shipbuilding orders are being 100W placed with German and other foreign shipyards thereby causing loss and damage to British shipyards; and what steps he is taking to rectify this position.
§ Mr. DigbyI am aware that, because of the number of outstanding orders on their books, many British shipbuilders are unable to quote early delivery dates, and that this is a main reason why some recent orders have gone abroad. I naturally cannot say how long this state of affairs may continue, as it depends on the flow of new orders from owners who may be prepared to wait for their ships.