Mr. Wileyasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the action that has been taken on the recommendations of the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Shipbuilding Advisory Committee on Shipbuilding Prospects.
§ Mr. MarplesMost of the recommendations in the Report were addressed to the industry and concerned its labour relations. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has been having talks with the two sides of the industry aimed at practical steps for bringing about an improvement, and is holding a joint meeting today.
Three recommendations were addressed to the Government. On credit facilities, further improvements in the services of the Export Credits 94W Guarantee Department were announced at about the time when the Report was published, and the Government has the question of credit for export under continuing review. The possibility of scrapping or scrap and build schemes has been discussed with the General Council of British Shipping, who have not, however, so far supported any proposals of this kind. The attention of all Departments which order ships has been drawn to the recommendation about reviewing their requirements, but it is rarely practicable to accelerate orders. Most Government orders are for the Royal Navy and the value of these has been greater this year than in 1960.