HC Deb 28 December 1919 vol 123 cc1242-3
34. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make any statement in regard to the Government decision on Lord Colwyn's Report on the question of utilising Devonport Dock-yard or any part thereof for commercial purposes?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The recommendations of the Colwyn Committee included the construction of merchant ships in the Royal dockyards. The Admiralty are now making inquiries with a view to obtaining orders for such ships as the facilities of the dockyards will enable them to construct. The Committee also recommended that proposals for the utilisation of part of Devonport as a terminal port by shipping firms should be considered, and the Admiralty are prepared to receive any such proposals and give them most favourable consideration.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say the Admiralty are prepared to accede to proposals from ship owners or from corporations?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As regards the building of merchant ships the Admiralty are now making inquiry with a view to obtaining orders for such ships as the facilities of the dockyards will enable them to construct. As regards the utilisation of Devonport as a terminal port by shipping firms, the Admiralty are prepared to receive any such proposal and give it most favourable consideration?

Major Sir B. FALLE

Can the right hon Gentleman tell me anything about Portsmouth?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The recommendation of the Colwyn Committee included the construction of merchant ships in the Royal dockyards generally, if practicable.

Mr. W. THORNE

Have the Admiralty received any protest from those engaged in private enterprise against the dockyards building merchant vessels?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Not so far as I am aware.