§ 17. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the work of repairing and refitting oilers has been carried out in His Majesty's dockyards and private yards, respectively, in the past year; and what has been the expenditure in each case?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMIn the financial year ended 31st March last the proportion of the work of repairing and refitting oilers which was carried out in His Majesty's dockyards and private yards, respectively, was approximately as five is to eight.
§ The expenditure was:
| His Majesty's Private | |||
| dockyards. | yards. | ||
| 1926–1927 | … | £108,970 | £172,800 |
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention been drawn to a speech made by an Admiralty official at Devonport, who claimed great credit for the Admiralty in sending more of this work to the dockyards and, in view of the fact that figures show that private yards get more of this work, will he take steps to change the practice, so that it is in accordance with the spirit of that speech?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI cannot say my attention has been drawn to that speech. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will look at past records, he will see that there is a great deal more work given to dockyards.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAAre these speeches by officials of the Department made with the cognisance of the Admiralty or not?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMAs I do not know anything about the speeches except what the hon. Gentleman tells me now, I am not in a position to answer that question.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the Admiralty bear in mind that Devonport dockyard is quite inadequately rated, which comes into the expenses, and that private shipbuilders have to pay Income Tax?