§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Industry what proportion of tonnage of merchant ships over 100 gross registered tons in size which were being constructed in the United Kingdom, in the world, and in the major shipbuilding countries—Japan, Spain, Sweden, West Germany and France—was destined for registration in their respective countries of construction in September 1968 and September 1974; and if he will provide figures for the United Kingdom for the September of 1969. 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973.
§ Mr. MeacherThe information is as follows:
September 1968 Per cent. September 1974 Per cent. United Kingdom 62 69 Japan 38 14 Spain 82 56 Sweden 11 30 West Germany 22 21 France 76 57 World 49 36 The corresponding United Kingdom figures for the intervening years are 75 per cent., 79 per cent., 77 per cent., 79 per cent. and 85 per cent., respectively. The above percentages have been calculated
222Wshares or stock which have been acquired under the Industry Act 1972 and state in each case the progress that has been made in disposing of such shares or stock in accordance with Section 7(5) of the said Act.
§ Mr. BennThe following company shares and stock are currently held having been acquired under the provisions of the Industry Act 1972: —
from information in the merchant shipbuilding returns of Lloyd's Register of Shipping, copies of which are held in the Library of the House.