§ 39. Mr. KELLYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps have been taken to secure work other than armament work for the shops and yards at Rosyth and Pembroke in order to make use of the machinery and plant in those places, and so prevent the men and women now in the service of the Admiralty being thrown out of work?
§ 43. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any scheme was submitted to him for utilisation on other work of the dockyards proposed to be closed; if so, whether he can state the nature of the scheme or schemes considered, and the reason why it was not accepted; and, if no scheme has been considered, whether he will suspend the closing of those yards until every avenue of alternate use has been explored?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe Admiralty are willing to consider suitable proposals for the use of the two yards for private enterprise. The conditions on which Pembroke Yard can be leased were given in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Pembroke on 4th February, and similar conditions for Rosyth Dockyard will be arranged if any substantial proposals for its use are received. I may 1026 add that no proposals for utilising either of the two yards have been declined by the Admiralty.
§ Mr. KELLYWill the hon. Gentleman reply to my question as to whether any steps have been taken to provide work for these yards?
Mr. DAVIDSONI think that is answered by the reply I have given. We are willing to assist private enterprise which is willing to use the yards.
§ Mr. KELLYI have not asked about private enterprise, but I asked if the Admiralty took any steps to find work for this valuable machinery and plant to be engaged upon work other than armament work.
Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Gentleman say why, if public enterprise is the best thing to provide battleships, it is a bad thing to provide other things?