HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 cc3082-3
20. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to pages 12 to 17 of the second report from the Committee of Public Accounts; can he make a statement on the matters raised; and what steps have been taken to prevent a repetition of the charges made by the committee?

21. Mr. Kennedy

asked the First Lord of the Admirality whether he will account for the difference between the first estimated cost of the conversion of the former liner "Majestic" to serve as a temporary training establishment at Rosyth, and the final net cost, including the purchase price, which increased from £150,000 to £612,056?

23. Mr. Lyons

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the large differences between the estimates for, and the actual costs of, converting the "Vulcan" and "Majestic"; whether he can explain why these differences arose; whether any and what unexpected expenditure became necessary; and whether he will take steps to prevent any such future disparities in such estimates?

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Duff Cooper)

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given yesterday to questions on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to which, I think, the House will not wish me to add anything at present.

Commander Marsden

Before purchasing this obsolete ship made in Germany, did the Government consider the erection of permanent buildings, and, if so, what would have been the cost?

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the number of persons accommodated in the ship?

Mr. Cooper

That hardly arises out of the question. As I have already stated, it would not be correct until the matter has been before the Public Accounts Committee, as provided for by a Treasury Minute, to make any statement on the subject.