§ 82. Mr. G. TERRELLasked 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. MACNAMARAThe 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. TERRELLCan my right hon. Friend state where the shipbuilding yards are to be constructed and the number of them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI only know with regard to one of them. There will be four.
§ Mr. GEORGE LAMBERTIs 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. MACNAMARANo one has been more urgent in his demand, and properly so, that we must make up the losses from 40 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. LAMBERTIs it not a fact that the Government management in the past has been of the most wasteful character?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo, Sir.
§ Commander WEDGWOODHave 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. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.