§ 2.52 p.m.
THE EARL OF HARROWBYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation will set up a Committee of scientists, industrialists, insurance and underwriting interests, with Naval and Treasury assessors, to consider the 2 possibilities of launching a pilot scheme, of large ocean-going submarine freighters, with a view to an ultimate large-scale service, irrespective of its war time value, or alternatively if the Government have any statement to make.]
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (THE EARL OF SELKIRK)My Lords, the development which the noble Earl envisages may be one which will come to be of importance in the future. It does, however, present formidable difficulties, not only in the construction of the type of freighter suggested, but also in the provision of adequate terminal facilities for a ship of this character. We are watching the possibilities in this field, but Her Majesty's Government cannot at present see sufficient commercial prospects in this development to warrant the action which the noble Earl proposes.
THE EARL OF HARROWBYMy Lords, may I ask exactly what is involved in the watching mentioned by the noble Earl?
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKWe are watching the position. There are various feasibility studies going on which we are watching at the present time.