11. Mr. RUNCIMANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the housing schemes for a shipyard and marine engine works employés are to be proceeded with; if not, what alternative means are to be adopted to house the extra 75,000 men declared by the Controller-General of Merchant Shipbuilding to be necessary for 1437 the existing yards and their extensions; and whether, in view of the urgency of accommodation being found for these men as they come forward without subjecting them to any hardship or delay, he can announce that the housing and hostel schemes for this purpose will be pressed on immediately?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Controller-General of Merchant Shipbuilding has worked out a number of schemes designed to meet the additions to labour in the shipyards as they arise. The materialisation of these schemes depends upon the extent to which it is possible to give priority in labour and material to them.
Lord Pirrie is at the moment out of London; and, as I should be glad to discuss this question of claims for priority with him personally before finally answering this question, I shall be greatly obliged if my right hon. Friend will postpone it.
§ Mr. HOLTWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is that, although shipbuilding is admittedly one of the most important things, that it does not get first priority?
§ Dr. MACNAMARALord Pirrie has charge of the scheme, and I want to consult him. I have not had an opportunity of inquiring how he is going on with the scheme.