HC Deb 23 November 1938 vol 341 cc1737-8
23. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the approximate cost of the recent mobilisation of the Fleet and all measures taken consequent thereto?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)

The cost of the recent mobilisation of the Fleet and of measures taken consequent thereto, apart from certain expenditure on measures for which provision would in any case have been required later, is provisionally assessed at a little less than £1,000,000.

Mr. Davidson

Does that figure include the loss of prestige?

Sir A. Southby

Was the mobilisation carried out smoothly and efficiently?

Mr. Shakespeare

We have been at some pains to make inquiries, and I think it is fair to say that our plans went smoothly and efficiently. We have had very little complaint.