§ 48 and 49. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will set up an expert inquiry to ascertain the causes of the drift of contracts and work 131W away from British to foreign shipyards; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many contracts by British industry for the building of ships, which could have been awarded to British shipbuilding firms, have been given to foreign shipyards in the 12 months to the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. MarplesI am in close and constant touch with our shipbuilders on questions of foreign competition and I see no need for a special inquiry. I understand that, in the 12 months ending 31st March, 1963, British owners ordered overseas four ships of over 1,000 gross tons and seven smaller ships.