§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to require British shipowners to place a proportion of their purchases with British Shipbuilders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontNo. Shipping is an important United Kingdom industry which operates in a highly competitive international market. The industry must be free to buy where it can get the best deal. Nevertheless, United Kingdom shipowners account for more than half of the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry's orders.