§ 100. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Transport what is the amount of merchant shipping at present being built abroad for registration in this country.
§ Mr. MarplesI cannot yet add to the information which I gave in answering a similar Question from the hon. Member on 6th February.
§ 101. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to encourage British shipowners to place orders for merchant shipping in British shipyards.
§ Mr. MarplesMost British owners already place their orders in British yards. They are engaged in a fiercely competitive international business, and I do not think it would be appropriate for the Government to limit their freedom to buy their ships in the best market.