HC Deb 21 February 1934 vol 286 cc321-2
10. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any,

give the capacity to-day of those districts for building ships and also the numbers of men registered in each of these areas who take part in the shipbuilding trade?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman place further contracts for warships so as to provide work for men in these centres who are out of work?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

I have answered that question before. We have to go by the tenders, and we have to accept the lowest tender. In reply to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean), I may say that I had already framed the answer and what he asks for is not in it. I have only answered what is in the question.

Mr. MACLEAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get the information?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

Certainly.

Following are the figures:

The total tonnage ordered under the programmes for the years 1913, 1929 and 1933, and the percentages thereof allocated to the areas concerned are approximately:

and, if so, what, distinction as regards liability for service in a national emergency is made between naval long-service pensioners and naval reservists?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

Pensioners are mobilised when, in the opinion of the Admiralty, an emergency requiring their services arises, and must serve for so long as the Admiralty consider necessary. Naval Reservists are mobilised only on such occasions as the Sovereign thinks fit, after Royal proclamation or notification to Parliament; and their term of service is limited by Statute.