§ 19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the boats' oars supplied to the Royal Navy are manufactured in America; since when has this source of supply been drawn upon for the Fleet; whether the Canadian spruce used for oars manufactured at Devonport and Portsmouth dockyards is imported in the form of logs and, if so, why the American ash is not imported in logs also; and whether experiments have been made in manufacturing boats' oars from home-grown timber and, if so, with what result?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMAbout one-third of the boats' oars supplied to the Royal Navy are manufactured in America. The use of American ash oars extends back for at least 50 years and 1860 probably much longer. Canadian spruce used for oars by the Admiralty is not imported as logs, but in the form of deals, which are regularly delivered into this country in large quantities for many purposes. On the other hand, American ash, suitable for oars, is not regularly imported, and it is more economical for the Admiralty to import the finished oar. Experiments have been made in manufacturing boats' oars from home-grown timber and it was found that homegrown ash was unsuitable.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the attention of the hon. and gallant Member been drawn to the campaign, which is supported by members of the Government, to purchase British goods?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMay I ask where these experiments have been made; were they made in any of the dockyards?
§ Mr. HANNONMay I ask whether it is really the fact that we cannot make oars in this country as good as those made in America?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMIt has been explained that the ash in this country is neither sufficient in quantity nor equally suitable for the purpose as the ash from America. This has been found by a course of experiments during the last 50 years. Ash is imported not in bulk as timber, for the simple reason that there is not a great trade in ash in this country and it is more economical to bring the article in the form of oars from America.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWould the hon. and gallant Member like to hear from me what I think about it?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMay I have an answer to my question as to who made the experiments, and where they were made?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. DAYIs the hon. and gallant Member really serious in saying that English ash is not as good as American ash?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMFor the purpose in question that is the statement I have made, and I am told that it is perfectly true.
§ Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEAre not the oars used in the 'Varsity boat race made of English ash, and is not that good enough?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Admiralty does not run that.