asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps he intends to take towards solving the problems of the shipbuilding industry, pending receipt of the Geddes Report next year.

The Government are continuing, in the meantime, to press for improvements in productivity, which will help towards a solution of the problems of the industry, and are taking action to meet other difficulties as they arise.

Is the Minister aware that fixed-price contracts have been accepted some way ahead by the industry, based on costs, particularly with regard to labour, that are no longer realistic? Will he keep close watch on the situation?

Certainly.

Will the Minister take steps to advise both the management and the trade union side in the industry of the desirability of setting up joint consultation machinery in order to discuss the problems in the industry as a whole?

Yes, Sir. I have drawn this to the attention of the national representatives of the unions and to the leaders of the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation.