§ 67. Mr. SHORTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether during the War and Admiralty control of shipbuilding, in order to accelerate the building of ships, it was decided to defray 40 per cent. of the cost of introducing and extending pneumatic riveting and caulking plant in the shipyards; and, if so, will he state the total expenditure involved and the firms to whom payment was made?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have been asked to reply. In order to increase the facilities for the output of tonnage of all kinds for war purposes, shipbuilding and engineering firms and other firms concerned in the equipment of ships were urged during the War to extend their premises and increase their plant, and an arrangement was made that up to a maximum of 40 per cent. of this special cost would be paid by the Government. Of the total amount so paid, it is estimated that between £150,000 and £200,000 was in respect of pneumatic riveting and caulking plant, which was distributed among a large number of firms.
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI could. It would be a very long one; but if the hon. Member is interested, I can give it.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHave the Government control over the material for which they paid?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe arrangement was made a great many years ago.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHave they any control over the material?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIf the hon. Gentleman wants to know what is the condition of the plant, he should put down a question.
§ Mr. HARDIEWho owns the plant?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe firms.