HC Deb 25 April 1923 vol 163 cc430-2
19. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that workmen are being dismissed in large numbers from the firm who have undertaken the work of building the new battleship on the Tyne; and, as this job was intended partly as a scheme for relief of unemployment and as the work has now been sanctioned for five months, will he state what steps he is prepared to take to see that the work is proceeded with more expeditiously?

Commander EYRES - MONSELL

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 18th April to my hon. Friend the Member for North Newcastle (Mr. Doyle).

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been no complaint about the progress of the work on the vessel that is building on the Mersey, and what is the reason for the delay in the case of the Newcastle ship? Why is it not proceeding with the same quickness?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

I do not think there is any delay at all, and I do not think there is any difference in the shipbuilding on the Mersey. It is quite natural that only a few men could be employed until after the ship's keel is laid, and for a few weeks or months previously. The amount of employment swells up to a peak in about a year's time.

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I press the hon. and gallant Gentleman on this point? Is it not the case that in connection with the engine work of the ship there is no question of laying the keel, and that men who ought to be employed first on the engine department are being dismissed from the firm and are not being restarted, while on the Mersey ship they are being set to work on the most essential parts of the engines? Will the First Lord of the Admiralty make some inquiry?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

I have made inquiry, and my information is entirely to the contrary. The men dismissed by the firm building that ship were men employed on a P. and O. boat that was being repaired there, and that work has now come to an end. It has nothing to do with this ship.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.