HC Deb 20 March 1940 vol 358 c1973
38. Mr. Maxton

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the ship, built for the Holt Line in the Dundee shipyard, taken over by the Admiralty, in September; for conversion to naval purposes has proved satisfactory; and whether it is now proposed to turn the ship back to merchant purposes?

Mr. Churchill

Yes, Sir. Until she is needed for Admiralty service, she will be employed on commercial service.

Mr. Maxton

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the expenditure on this ship has been undone, and why all the shipyard labour has been wasted?

Mr. Churchill

It is rather a lengthy story, but I think I could carry conviction to the hon. Member.