§ 7. Mr. WATTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all inspection of vessels built in Scotland for his Department is given to the one firm, namely, Lloyd's Register; whether he is aware that this firm has had to extend its staff on account of the Admiralty work; that other firms exist in Scotland well able to do this work, notably the British Corporation for the Survey and Registry of Snipping, and that such firms have little of their ordinary work at present before them on account of mercantile shipbuilding being set aside for Admiralty work; and whether, under the circumstances, he can see his way to divide the inspecting work of his Department?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Such inspection is usually carried out by Admiralty officers, but in a few special cases has been entrusted to Lloyd's, but I have no information that they have had to extend their staff on this account. The capacity of the British Corporation for the survey of shipping is well known to the Admiralty, and in the case of any outside survey being required in future the Admiralty will be glad to consider the question of availing themselves of the assistance of the British Corporation.
§ Mr. WATTIs it not the case that the specifications lay down that the inspections must be done by Lloyd's Register, and is that fair to all parties?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhether that be the case or not, we will consider the capacity of the others.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf it were my answer would be incorrect.