asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many shipbuilding berths are vacant on the Clyde; and what steps he is taking to arrest the decline in shipbuilding.

Thirteen shipbuilding berths were reported vacant in Clyde shipyards at the end of October, and five were being modernised or repaired. As to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to what I said in the debate on the Adjournment on 27th November.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has made strong protests to his right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary, whose action has very probably resulted in these five berths remaining empty? What is he doing to prevent other Ministers from taking action frustrating the efforts of shipbuilders on the Clyde to get orders?

I think that the hon. Member's hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) already has an Adjournment Motion on that subject. At the moment, therefore, I cannot comment further on it.