§ Mr. R. W. Elliottasked the Minister of Transport if he will make representations to the Australian Government about their subsidies and other protective measures for shipbuilding, in view of the effect of this action upon the competitive ability of the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Australian Government have protected their shipbuilding 179W industry for a number of years. A subsidy is paid on certain classes of vessels in order to equate their Australian costs with those of United Kingdom shipbuilders for comparable vessels. The permission of the Australian Government is also required before a vessel may be imported into Australia.
Information has been sought on the circumstances in which such permission is granted and the replies which have been received are being studied.