§ 18. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of its importance to all shipbuilding centres, he can now state whether it is the intention of the Government to carry out the policy of the last Ministry with regard to expediting the carrying out of what is known as the cruiser programme, with the object of relieving unemployment in those districts where no other form of work is of any use whatever to the skilled men concerned; whether be is aware that in Barrow 1,000 more men will within a very short time probably be discharged owing to the completion of the gun-mounting work on which they are engaged; and whether he is aware that the towns engaged in shipbuilding and steel manufacture are among those where the depression is greatest at the present moment?
§ 20. Mr. LUMLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it has been decided that the policy of expediting the programme of construction of light cruisers and other craft is to 'be continued; and, if so, whether the claims of the large number of unemployed in the shipbuilding industry in Hull for a share in this programme will be considered Then contracts are allotted?
§ Mr. AMMONI will answer these questions together. This matter is receiving the earnest and urgent consideration of the Government, and if the hon. Members will repeat their questions next week I shall be in a position to make a definite statement on the subject,.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWhen considering this programme, will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the commercial yards can tender for national ships and that the national yards cannot tender for commercial ships? Will he see that the incidence of any reduction does not fall on the Royal Dockyards?
§ Sir GRATTAN DOYLEWhen the consideration of this question comes on, will due regard be given to the claims of Newcastle-on-Tyne?