HC Deb 24 November 1992 vol 214 c645W
15. Mr. Etherington

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to assist the shipbuilding industry by his policy for procurement.

Mr. Aitken

Our policy is to place orders for ships by competition wherever possible, inviting all yards capable of undertaking the work to tender. This has encouraged the great efforts shipbuilders have been making to reduce overheads and improve their efficiency and competitiveness.