§ 85. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the present Bank Rate plus Export Credits Guarantee Department charge imposes on British shipbuilding firms at least 10 per cent. extra on the 160W cost of a new ship, which is handicapping British shipbuilding firms in competing with foreign firms for orders and is causing unemployment in British shipyards; and if he will state his plans for releasing British shipyards from those special burdens.
§ Mr. BarberI have no evidence that the costs to United Kingdom shipbuilders of financing production and sales on deferred terms, and of insuring the credit risks with E.C.G.D., are in general greater than the comparable costs which have to be met by their competitors abroad.