§ MR. WILKIE (Dundee)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state the number of vessels of the different types that have been placed in the hands of the builders, specifying the names of the firms; and, in view of the numbers of workers unemployed, will he use his influence with the firms to expedite the work on hand.
§ MR. MCKENNAThe whole of the orders have not yet been placed, although it is expected that the remaining vessels will be ordered very shortly. In view of this fact, it is not desirable at present to give the names of the firms. I understand that the firms will expedite the work as much as possible, in view of their anxiety to give employment to their men.
§ MR. WILKIECan the right hon. Gentleman give us a definition of the word "shortly"?
§ MR. MCKENNAI hope to-morrow.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)Will the firms be allowed to expedite those vessels to any extent they wish?
§ MR. MCKENNAWe are willing to take the vessels as soon as the firms are ready to hand them over to us. We do not pay extra on that account.
§ MR. GRETTON (Rutland)Has work been commenced on any of the contract vessels mentioned in the Question?
§ MR. MCKENNAI should like notice of that Question.