§ 72. Sir C. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large shipbuilding orders from this country are going to Japan, because Japanese costs are 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. below United Kingdom prices; if he will hold an inquiry into the reasons why British prices are not sufficiently competitive and to suggest remedies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonI am aware that some orders for ships have been placed in Japan by British shipping companies because of lower Japanese prices. The question of the competitiveness of British shipbuilding and the action which needs to be taken will be studied by the Committee of Inquiry into the Shipbuilding Industry which we are in course of setting up.