§ 25. Mr. COWANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether a steam drifter launched at Inverness on Friday, 13th November, is to be engaged on Admiralty work when completed; if so, will he state the reasons which induce the Admiralty to wait for the completion of this vessel while Fraserburgh harbours are full of drifters lying idle owing to the suspension of fishing operations due to the War; whether the Admiralty is employing a number of drifters belonging to Lowestoft and Yarmouth; and, if so, why preference has been given to these ports?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; therefore the second part does not arise.
§ Mr. COWANAs the two parts of the question are quite disconnected, I venture to submit the second part does arise.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf the answer to the first part is in the negative, the second part cannot arise.
§ Mr. COWANThe second part refers to Yarmouth and Lowestoft, and has no connection with the first part.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have no desire and it is not our practice to give any preference.