31.
asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Government have considered the possibility of action to enable old ships to be sold for breaking up instead of being disposed of to foreign competitors?
The question of the disposal of old ships has been under consideration for same time, and I have appointed a committee to inquire into it. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the terms of reference, with the names of the members of the committee.
Will the right hon. Gentleman say definitely if the committee is likely to report fairly soon?
I do not think this inquiry will be very long. They are now engaged on their task. Without tying myself to a date, we may expect the report soon.
Is this another committee appointed in addition to the one that is announced?