HC Deb 17 November 1937 vol 329 cc378-9
14. Miss Ward

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what further naval orders are to be placed this year?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)

In addition to two cruisers and one submarine, whose construction will be commenced in His Majesty's Dockyards in December, 1937, it is anticipated that the following ships will be ordered from private firms by the end of the present financial year:

  • 4 Cruisers.
  • 8 Destroyers.
  • 3 Submarines.
  • 2 Escort Vessels.
  • 3 Patrol Vessels.
  • 1 Destroyer Depot Ship.
  • 10 Motor Torpedo Boats.
  • 6 Boom Defence Vessels.

Viscountess Astor

Is not private enterprise doing more than the national Dockyards, and is that quite right?

Mr. Noel-Baker

How many of these ships will be built in the Royal Dockyards?

Mr. Shakespeare

I should want notice of that question, unless it relates to the cruisers under construction.