§ 29. Sir ROBERT GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any and what arrangements have been made to stabilise employment at Chatham Dockyard at its present strength for the next 12 months; and whether any further discharges of workmen are contemplated in the near future?
Mr. ALEXANDERSo far as can be foreseen at the present time, the arrangements already made and likely to be made for work at Chatham Dockyard will have the effect of stabilising employment within narrow limits during 1930. In regard to the latter part of the question, no immediate discharges are contemplated at Chatham, apart from casuals and any adjustments that may be necessary to meet special conditions.
§ 30. Sir R. GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of placing the order for the construction of the contemplated new hospital ship with the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo new hospital ship for the Navy is included in the present programme of new construction; but the existing hospital ship "Maine" is now undergoing large repair at Chatham Dockyard.
§ 31. Sir R. GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of placing with the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham 1304 the order for the manufacturing of the machinery required for the proposed survey ship for the Board of Fisheries; and whether, in the event of the plant at Chatham Dockyard not being suitable for the purpose, he will consider the desirability of laying down suitable plant?
Mr. ALEXANDERThis matter has been given full consideration and it has been decided to obtain the machinery of this vessel by contract; the boilers will be constructed in the dockyard.