§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what is his policy on the negotiations currently in progress between Austin and Pickersgill and the Vietnamese Government concerning ships for Vietnam; what contact he has had with either party; and if he will make 324W a statement concerning the financial implication of any such project;
(2) what would be the implications for employment in the shipyards of the North-East if negotiations currently in progress to build ships for Vietnam were successful; and how long-term the consequences would be;
(3) what negotiations have taken place concerning the building of ships in Great Britain for Vietnam, stating how far those negotiated have progressed and what the financial implications are likely to be.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.