§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, during his recent visit to China, he participated in any negotiations for the purchase of merchant ships or warships by the People's Republic of China, from British Shipbuilders; and whether any of the £2.5 billion line of credit in dollars he negotiated on behalf of Her Majesty's Government is to be used for the supply of such vessels from Great Britain.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield, pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 13 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 158–9], gave the following information:
During my right hon. Friend's visit to China British Shipbuilders made proposals for the supply of various classes of merchant ships to the Chinese authorities. There were also discussions on the modernisation of shipbuilding and port facilities. Any such business would rank for consideration under the credit arrangements discussed.