§ 56. Sir B. FALLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the highly equipped factories and workshops available at His Majesty's dockyard, Portsmouth, he will authorise the construction, equipment and repair work of aircraft used by the naval air wing at Portsmouth Dockyard?
§ 58. Sir R. GOWERasked the Under- Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the increased use of aircraft in His Majesty's Navy, he will consider the introduction of arrangements for their manufacture in the Royal dockyards?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThe construction, equipment and repair of aircraft is very highly specialised work which it is considered can be better carried out by firms which exist for that work and have the requisite special plant and experience than by shipbuilding and ship-repairing establishments, even of the well-equipped character of the Royal dockyards.
§ Sir B. FALLEAre these private firms?
§ Mr. MOSESIs it not a fact that the same class of workmen are being transferred to these very workshops from the dockyard areas?
Viscountess ASTORAs these are private firms, and there may be a reduction in the Navy, will the hon. Gentleman consider giving this work to the Royal dockyards?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAll questions of that kind will be given every possible consideration, but, so far as the present situation is concerned, my answer meets the case.