HC Deb 30 April 1918 vol 105 cc1382-3
26. Mr. FRANCE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what Department is now responsible for expenditure in connection with the construction of merchant ships?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My hon. Friend will remember that special powers were given by the Treasury to the first holder of the post of Navy Controller—now the First Lord of the Admiralty—and those powers are still vested in the First Lord. The matter is referred to in paragraph 46 of the Second Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure. Lord Pirrie's appointment, independent of the Board of Admiralty, though responsible to the First Lord, with direct access to the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet, makes some readjustment of the arrangements to which I have referred necessary. The matter is being carefully considered, but I am afraid I cannot make a definite Announcement at this moment.

Mr. FRANCE

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that nobody is responsible at the present time?

Dr. MACNAMARA

For the finance?

Mr. FRANCE

For the expenditure upon shipbuilding.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I imagine at the present time the Parliamentary Secretary to the First Lord is responsible.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Does that answer apply equally to shipyards, such as Chepstow, as to expenditure upon merchant shipping?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I do not know whether my right hon. Friend means the extensions in private yards or the new developments in national yards?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Both.

Dr. MACNAMARA

At the present moment, as I say, I imagine the Parliamentary Secretary to the First Lord is responsible.

Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

Is the Parliamentary Secretary to the First Lord to be deprived of the control of expenditure on merchant shipbuilding?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot assume for a moment that, unless some fresh arrangement is made—and the whole matter is now the subject of revision—the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty can be divested of his authority to the First Lord and this House.

Mr. FRANCE

Will the changes proposed in the control of expenditure be laid before the House of Commons?

Dr. MACNAMARA

It will be our duty to acquaint the House with the procedure. That is one of our first duties.