§ 47. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact, as shown in the latest returns, that Great Britain and Northern Ireland have now become the largest importers of new shipping tonnage, what further action he is taking to reverse this trend.
§ Mr. MarplesAs the hon. Member knows, I asked Messrs. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Company last year to investigate the reasons why British shipowners had been placing orders abroad. There have been signs of improvement in the shipbuilding industry's competitive position since the report was published, and I hope this will continue. I do not think the situation has changed in a way which calls for further action by the Government.