HC Deb 07 March 1939 vol 344 cc1920-1
80. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached as to where the new royal yacht is to be built; whether he will assure the House it will in any case be built solely as a yacht and not on the lines of a semi-warship or with any of a warship's features; and whether he will consider placing the order for its construction either at Clyde-bank or at Dumbarton in order that the workers there may have the opportunity to build the finest yacht in the world, which will prove to all the world the preeminence of British shipbuilding?

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Colonel Llewellin)

The intention when Parliament has approved the new programme is to place the order for the construction of the royal yacht by competitive tender, but the hon. Member can rest assured that invitations when issued will certainly include suitable shipbuilding firms both at Clydebank and Dumbarton. The vessel will be built as a yacht, but she will be capable of conversion into a hospital ship if required for such service in any emergency.

Mr. Maclean

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are other yards on the Clyde in addition to Clyde-bank and Dumbarton, and that there are three yards in Govan which have already built yachts for Royalty?

Colonel Llewellin

Yes, Sir, any yard capable of building a good yacht will certainly be given an opportunity of tendering.

Lieut.-Commander Agnew

As soon as the preparations are sufficiently far advanced, will my hon. and gallant Friend undertake to place a sketch of the proposed design in the Tea Room?