HC Deb 17 March 1937 vol 321 cc2046-7
24. Miss Wilkinson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the present lack of shipping and the possible urgent needs in case of submarine attack in any future war, he will reconsider the question of the utilisation of the Palmer shipyard at Jarrow either as a naval dockyard or being put into order for use as a shadow shipyard in preparation for any national emergency?

Lord Stanley

This question has already been raised by the Jarrow Borough Council and is now under consideration by the Admiralty. I should, however, explain that no requirement exists at present for an additional naval dockyard and that there is already available a reserve of docking facilities in Rosyth dockyard, which is on a care and maintenance basis.

Miss Wilkinson

In view of our experiences of submarine warfare in the last War, are the Government not making suitable preparations in case of future need in this respect?

Lord Stanley

That is rather a question for the Board of Trade.

Mr. Ede

Will the Noble Lord remember that the Tyne does exist as a shipbuilding river?

Lord Stanley

The hon. Member has only to look at the orders which have been given to see that we do.