HC Deb 23 April 1964 vol 693 cc195-6W
40. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development whether he is aware of the complaints about delays by the Export Credit Guarantee Department in making decisions about shipbuilding orders from foreign customers; and whether he will expedite such decisions in order to obtain more orders for British shipyards.

Mr. Heath

My attention has been drawn to Press report of this kind.

I am glad to say it is incorrect. The criticism of the Department appears to have sprung from the allegations of a ships' broker. As soon as the report was published the shipbuilder concerned asked to be disassociated from this unjustifiable criticism. The report was also incorrect in saying that the business had been lost.