HC Deb 12 November 1917 vol 99 cc39-40
82. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give particulars of the estimated cost of the proposed new national shipbuilding yards; and whether the Government proposals in regard to these yards will be submitted for the approval of Parliament before definite action is taken?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The construction of national shipyards was approved by the War Cabinet, and definite action was taken forthwith. Etimates of the probable cost were put in hand and are now under consideration, but it is not yet possible to give the estimated cost of the whole undertaking, as the details are not yet settled, and the cost of land and compensation is still under consideration.

Mr. TERRELL

Can my right hon. Friend state where the shipbuilding yards are to be constructed and the number of them?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I only know with regard to one of them. There will be four.

Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

Is it not an extraordinary development of War Cabinet policy, namely, to sanction the establishment of these national shipbuilding yards without the approval of Parliament?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No one has been more urgent in his demand, and properly so, that we must make up the losses from submarines as rapidly as possible than my right hon. Friend, and obviously we must get on with all expedition, and we may have to short-circuit some of the traditional methods of peace in getting on as fast as possible.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it not a fact that the Government management in the past has been of the most wasteful character?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, Sir.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Have the Government considered any scheme for the recovery by the State of the increased value of any land in the immediate neighbourhood of these dockyards?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.