§ Mr. Pendryasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will consider using obsolete naval tonnage for activities connected with offshore oil and gas industries where the current marine construction capability is primarily vested in foreign interests.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI have been asked to reply.
Ministry of Defence tonnage which is obsolete but has evident civil commercial possibilities is offered for sale by the Ministry of Defence through my Department, which seeks the highest bid by means of competitive tender. If the hon. Member has any specific proposals for use of such tonnage in the marine construction field I hope he will let me know.