§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what is the policy of 90W Her Majesty's Government on the building in United Kingdom yards of naval and merchant vessels for Argentina; and if he will make a statement;
- (2) what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the building in United Kingdom yards of naval and merchant vessels for Brazil; and if he will make a statement;
- (3) what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the building in United Kingdom yards of naval and merchant vessels for Chile; and if he will make a statement;
- (4) what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the building in United Kingdom yards of naval and merchant vessels for the Republic of South Africa; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallIn the case of merchant ships it is a matter for the shipbuilder concerned whether to take an order. In the case of naval ships export licences are needed and applications are considered against a variety of political, economic and security criteria. Licences are currently not being granted for South Africa or Chile.