§ 21. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any plan has been drawn up by the Admiralty which would have the effect for a period of years of reducing the present establishment in His Majesty's dockyards; and whether, in the interests of the towns concerned, he can make a statement on the subject in order that they may know what obligations may be cast upon their finding employment for the discharged men and in making prospective arrangements for housing accommodation and other matters?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe reply is in the negative. The hon. Member was present when the whole matter was discussed fully with me last week at a deputation from Portsmouth and Plymouth and I have nothing now to add.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it would be of great assistance to the municipality of Plymouth, if they could have some indication of what the plans of the Admiralty are likely to be, particularly in view of the curtailment of the shipbuilding programme?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs the hon. Member knows from the reply to the deputation, of which he was an attentive member, I should be very glad if it were possible to stabilise work in the dockyards. A consistent programme of naval construction is the best way of stabilising it; until that is settled it is not very easy to do so.