§ 134. Mr. Awberyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that shipowners in the United Kingdom have for the first time in their history been compelled to have a large amount of tonnage constructed abroad because berths are not available in this country; and what steps are being taken to encourage the provision of the necessary suitable berths in British yards.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyThe increased demand for ships is principally for tankers, the building of which is taxing the resources of shipyards in this country and abroad. In these circumstances it is 183W hardly a matter for surprise that some orders by British owners have gone abroad. The provision of additional building berths in this country is no solution until more steel plates and sections are available. Moreover, if many additional berths were built, a shortage of skilled manpower would also be a problem. My right hon. and noble Friend is doing what he can to encourage the supply of more steel for the shipyards which would enable a greater output to be achieved and in itself encourage the further development of British shipyards
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to make a further statement on the supplies of steel for Scottish and British shipyards, respectively, indicating the allocations to each; and what steps he can now announce to increase the supplies of steel to Scottish shipyards.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyThere is no Government system of allocation of steel to shipyards at present in force and yards are free to order where they can. Scottish yards like all other yards in the United Kingdom are receiving more steel than last year, but supplies continue considerably below requirements and my right hon. and noble Friend, together with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, is consulting with the industries concerned with a view to further improvement.