§ 50. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many vessels are laid up in United Kingdom ports and estuaries; how many of these 66W are oil tankers, and how many are dry cargo vessels; what tonnage they represent; how the position today compares with the same period last year: and what steps are being taken to bring these vessels into commission again.
§ Mr. NeaveAt the end of September, 1958, British and foreign ships laid up in United Kingdom waters for lack of employment amounted to 251 ships of 1,464,503 gross tons compared with 40 ships of 190,400 gross tons a year previously. Forty-five ships of 376,900 gross tons were tankers and the remainder dry cargo. While the Government is watching the position closely, any steps taken to bring these vessels back in commission again is a matter for the commercial judgment of the owners.