MARKET SOUGHT FOR SHIPS BUILT IN AUSTRALIA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22827, 23 December 1948, Page 4

MARKET SOUGHT FOR SHIPS BUILT IN AUSTRALIA

CANBERRA (By Air Mail) Mr. .1. B. Chitlcy, Australian Prime Minister, in a recent broadcast said that the Government proposed to ensure a permanent market for Australian-built ships. lie was detailing; the Government’s proposals to set up a permanent Commonwealth shipping line.

‘'The Government is determined that the shipbuilding industry, set up under great difficulties during the war, will be maintained as a permanent part of this country’s industrial economy,” said Mr. Chiflcy. “Australian shipbuilders have demonstrated their ability to construct vessels equal to those built overseas. In view of tile importance from the defence point of view of having a flourishing shipbuilding industry, as well as a modern and up-to-date mercantile marine, the Government’s legislation will contain provisions to ensure a permanent market for the output of Australian shipyards. “It will be provided that all vessels engaging in the coastal trade must be built in Australian shipyards and that no vessel will be permitted to continue trading after it is 24 years old, except in special cases,” continued the Prime Minister. Financial Aid for Building “But it is expected that there will be few after the present considerable number of over-age ships has been replaced. Some form of financial assistance will be given to the shipbuilding industry as a result of which it is hoped that Australian shipowners will be in a position to purchase vessels from Australian yards.” The Prime Minister said the Government was taking all possible steps to secure the future of the shipping and shipbuilding industries. But many very important factors contributing to the success of the shipping and shipbuilding industries were outside Government control. This applied particularly to cost factors. “I ask those connected with the industry—shipowners and shipbuilders and other employers of labour, as well as the waterside workers, seamen, and all others connected with the maritime industries—to give of their best to ensure that this country builds up an efficient shipbuilding and shipping industry,” said Mr. Chitiey. Mr. Chifley told the House of Representatives recently' that the bill setting up the Commonwealth shipping line would not be introduced this year, but might be brought down early in 1949. — Reuter.