§ 79. Mr. ROSEasked the Parliamentary Secretary whether he is aware that two expert shipwrights, appointed by the Ship Constructors' and Shipwrights' Association, have made a Report upon the Barn-staple concrete shipyard, in which they state that the sole product of a yard which cost £500,000 was a 1,000-ton barge, and 572 that the vessel broke her back on launching and had to be blown up to get her out of the way; that the Report urges the necessity of an inquiry; and whether he is prepared to institute such inquiry forthwith?
Colonel WILSONI have not seen the Report referred to, but should be glad if the hon. Member would let me have a copy. The cost of the yard was some £30,000 and not £500,000 as stated. The first vessel was launched, but sustained damage in launching, and some days afterwards went aground in a very unfavourable locality and broke her back. The second barge was launched on 2nd April, and it is expected to take delivery of her shortly. As at present advised, I am doubtful if an inquiry would disclose any facts not already in the possession of the Department, but I will consider the matter further on receipt of the Report.
§ Mr. ROSEDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that it is not the Department so much as the public who require information about this sort of thing, and, in view of the public necessity, knowing some-tiling about the way in which public money has been wasted, will the hon. Gentleman give us an idea as to whether the Department will cause an inquiry, not by Whitehall experts, but by people who know something about this business?
Colonel WILSONI can assure my hon. Friend that we are fully aware of the whole situation with regard to concrete ships, and every fact is before the Department As regards this particular case, we do not think any further inquiry is necessary.