§ 71. Mr. HANNONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the 22,300,000 guaranteed by the Government under the Trade Facilities Act to the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company for the construction in Belfast of four motor vessels will be expended on wages in the Belfast shipyards; and what proportion will be devoted to the purchase of engines, steel, and other materials in this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe whole of the sum raised by the Royal Mail 1575 Steam Packet Company, to which the guarantee under the Trade Facilities Act applies, will be expended in the purchase of engines, steel and other materials in England, Wales and Scotland. The amount is estimated at £2,300,000. No part of this sum will be expended in Belfast. I understand that the North Irish Government is giving a guarantee in respect of the further expenditure in Ulster.