§ Mr. J. Howardasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what steps he is taking to allocate contracts for the construction of new frigates to dockyards other than Royal Dockyards in order that the 60W skilled staff of privately-owned dockyards may keep abreast of the latest techniques in relation to warships.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingApart from the few warships which are built in the Royal Dockyards all our frigate new construction is placed with commercial shipbuilders as a result of competitive tendering. This is the fairest and most satisfactory way of placing the contracts available and ensures that each of the warship builders is given the opportunity to seek orders.