§ 18. Colonel ROYDSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether our available inland engineering resources are being utilised to the full extent for production of standard ships' engines, boilers, auxiliary machinery, fittings, frames, and plating preparatory to these being sent to shipbuilding yards for assembling?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Yes, Sir; the resources of inland engineering works are being utilised, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, to the fullest extent possible when the capacity of the constructional yards is taken into consideration. So far as ships' engines and boilers are concerned, some twenty-three engineering firms who had not previously been engaged on marine work are now building marine engines and boilers. All demands for auxiliaries can be met from the former manufacturers without utilising the services of firms who would be new to the work. Fittings, frames, and plating are now being manufactured by constructional engineers and bridge builders in various parts of the country, and when complete will be sent to the shipbuilding yards for assembling.
§ Mr. FRANCEIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is a sufficient supply of skilled and unskilled labour for carrying out the work in the yards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy right hon. Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty gave an answer last week on this subject in which he stated the view of the Controller-General of Merchant Shipping, who is satisfied that at the moment all practicable steps are being taken to utilise existing private yard facilities to the full.
§ Mr. FRANCEAnd for this purpose?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should think so for the time being, but if my hon. Friend will put a question on that point, I will obtain an answer.