§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the objections of the Shipbuilding Conference to the Government's proposals to make to foreign shipbuilders grants and loans for the building of British ships in competition with British shipbuilders; if he is aware of the difficulties caused by such proposals to British shipbuilders because foreign shipbuilders have governmental subsidies and lower wage rates; and if, before implementing those proposals, he will hold a conference representative of British shipbuilders to consider all the relevant facts of the situation.
§ Mr. HayMy right hon. Friend met the builders on 4th June to hear their representations on the Government's policy and to discuss its effects.
He explained the procedures which the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board would follow when an owner wished to build a vessel abroad with the help of a grant or loan. These procedures are designed to give British builders an equal chance to compete.
He and the industry agreed to carry out certain detailed studies jointly.