Mr. Edwards:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, how many opportunities have been afforded to shipyards on the Tees in the last five years, and with what success, and whether better prospects of obtaining Government contracts can be promised in the near future?

During the last five years shipyards on the Tees have received numerous opportunities of tendering for auxiliary warships and miscellaneous craft and have received orders for two boom working vessels and conversion work on a trawler. Firms in the Tees district will continue to be invited to tender for work within their capacity, but allocation of contracts will necessarily depend on consideration of the tenders when received.

Mr. Edwards:

Is the hon. Member aware that special preference is given to districts within the Special Areas and that it is very rapidly driving the distressed areas outside the Special Areas into a more distressful condition than any of the Special Areas? Will he not give consideration to the shipyards which are lying idle and give Tees-side an opportunity of survival?

I have pointed out that every opportunity is given.