§ 49. Mr. CONNOLLYasked the Prime Minister if it is his intention to make any statement to this House upon the
Viscountess ASTORIs it true that, owing to the economy campaign of 1921, we had to do away with many of the inspectors who are really needed?
§ Following is the table:
§ proposals for a subsidy to assist the shipbuilding industry which he had recently under consideration or, alternatively, does the Government propose to allot time for the House to discuss the proposals?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)The General Secretary of the Boilermakers' Society placed before me a proposal to give a subsidy to assist the shipbuilding industry and I replied at some length on 6th November, giving the reasons why, in my opinion, this plan does not provide a feasible way out of the difficulties with which the shipbuilding industry is faced. Since then I have received a further letter from the Secretary and although I cannot hold out hope of any modification of the above decision the further representations are being examined.
§ Mr. CONNOLLYIf arrangements are made for a representative deputation, will the Prime Minister be prepared to receive one?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that I have so far been asked to do so. I am not sure.