§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Prime Minister what is the maximum shipbuilding capacity of the United Kingdom shipyards; and whether she is satisfied that this will be sufficient in time of war.
§ The Prime MinisterShipbuilding capacity of United Kingdom shipyards depends on the manning levels of physical facilities and on labour productivity. Merchant output last year from United Kingdom yards amounted to 420,000 compensated gross registered tons and this is a reasonable estimate of capacity at present manning and productivity levels. Annual naval output is around 30,000 to 40,000 standard displacement tons. There is no reason to doubt that, taking account also of other NATO capacity, available shipbuilding capacity in the United Kingdom would be sufficient in time of war.