HC Deb 16 February 1978 vol 944 cc342-3W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement following her meeting on 8th February with the General Council of British Shipping on the effect on the overseas earnings of British shipping companies of the gift of merchant ships to Vietnam.

Mrs. Hart

Most of the finance required for a possible purchase of British built ships by the Government of Vietnam will be arranged in the normal way through commercial banks. Any aid provided under the aid-trade contingency provision is expected to be only a small part of the total cost. Any inquiry about the overseas earnings of British shipping companies is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade.