§ 25. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the approximate total value of the orders for new warship construction placed or to be placed during the current financial year with the Royal dockyards and with the private shipbuilding companies, respectively?
Mr. CooperThe approximate total value of orders for new warship construction (including small craft) placed or to be placed during the current financial year in the Royal dockyards is£6,175,000 and with private contractors£62,700,000. The figures for the dockyard vessels include the cost of two cruisers forming part of the 1936 programme, and represent the total cost of the various ships with their armour, guns, machinery and other contract supplies.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it possible that the share of the Royal dockyards might be slightly increased, as 90 per cent. for private firms is rather a high proportion?
Mr. CooperThe share of the dockyards in the extension is almost entirely taken up with fittings and repairs, and therefore the proportion of shipbuilding given out is increased.
§ Miss HorsbrughWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in parts of the country where there is serious unemployment these orders would be welcomed?