§ 76. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the continuing decline in the shipbuilding industry; and in what form he is prepared to assist it.
§ Mr. MarplesI am aware of the difficulties of the shipbuilding industry. The official sub-committee of the Shipbuilding Advisory Committee is examining these and the Government will carefully consider any recommendations it may make.
§ Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes taking to assist the shipbuilding industries of the United Kingdom to face the competition of government-assisted shipbuilding in most maritime countries.
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§ Mr. MarplesI am aware that shipbuilding is subsidised in a few countries. Her Majesty's Government would prefer that these countries should abandon this practice and that a subsidy race should be avoided. The special sub-committee of the Shipbuilding Advisory Committee is, however, considering this and other problems of the shipbuilding industry.