§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping whether the Government is at present constructing any steamers at the national shipyards at Chepstow and Beachley; if so, how many and of what size; whether the orders for them have been booked by the Government on commercial lines; and, if so, what are the contract prices at which the work was accepted?
Colonel WILSONThree vessels of 3,860 dead-weight tons and six of 10,500 dead-weight tons are being built at Chepstow. No vessels are being built at Beachley. The vessels are being constructed on behalf of the Shipping Controller, and not as a result of orders from private firms. These vessels have, in fact, been sold at prices which will leave a profit to the Government.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping what is the estimated profit on steamers built at the Chepstow and Beachley yards; whether they are being built for account of private owners or on Government account; if the latter, for what purpose are they to be used when finished; and when it is expected this will take place?
Colonel WILSONThe Shipping Controller considers that it would be undesirable at present to make public particulars of the profits made on the ships built or building at Chepstow. They are being built to the order of the Shipping Controller, but have all been sold to private owners. Four vessels have been delivered, and nine are under construction and expected to be completed during 1920.