§ 13. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the orders are given to build the two new capital ships what trades will benefit; how many men will be employed; how much will be spent in wages; how many firms will be concerned: and if he can state approximately what centres of population would principally benefit?
§ Mr. AMERYThe following would benefit from the placing of the orders for the two new capital ships:
During the first three months 4,000 to 5,000 men would be employed. During the first six months an average of 13,000 would be engaged on the work, rising in the second six months to some 29,000 men, and subsequently for a time to 40,000 men. The average number employed over the whole period of construction would be about 21,000. It is expected that somewhere about £10,000,000 would be spent in wages, and it is estimated that during the period of the construction of the ships about 500 firms would be interested to a greater or less degree in providing material to be incorporated in the finished ship. In addition to the two districts in which the ships would be built, workpeople in Government Ordnance Factories, Sheffield, Manchester, Barrow, Glasgow and the Tyne would principally benefit from the contracts.
- Shipyards and allied concerns.
- Engineering establishments.
- Ammunition factories.
- Steel works.
- Mines.
- Railways.
- Shipping.
§ Mr. D. SOMERVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Barrow there are 10,000 men out of work, and will it be possible to ask the Admiralty to place one of these vessels at Barrow?
§ Mr. N. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 80,000 unemployed in Glasgow, and—
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf we pursue this matter, we may go on till the evening.
§ 16. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in placing any orders for naval constructional work, he will make a point of allowing all private yards to tender, and especially those which, forming the main industries of certain towns, are now depressed, with much resultant local unemployment?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLAll the private yards in the United Kingdom considered capable of building the ships have been invited to tender for the two battleships which are under consideration. No other important constructional work is contemplated in the near future.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEDoes that apply to everything in respect of naval orders?
§ 21. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the decision of the Government in regard to the two battleships which the last Parliament decided should be laid down?
§ Mr. AMERYI cannot anticipate the statement which the Prime Minister proposes to make on this subject before the Recess.
§ Viscount CURZONIs a statement to be made to-day in another place, and, if so, will the intentions of the Government be communicated to us?