HC Deb 02 July 1941 vol 372 cc1336-7
31. Mr. Robert Taylor

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why a scheme, known as Assembly-line Shipyards, for the speeding up of shipbuilding, has been rejected by his Department?

Sir V. Warrender

This scheme has been carefully considered, but I am not satisfied that it provides a practicable alternative to existing methods of ship production.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a large volume of expert opinion in favour of this scheme, and in view of that fact will he say what steps have been taken to have such expert opinion consulted?

Sir V. Warrender

I am not aware that there is a very large body of expert opinion in favour of this scheme. The whole idea has been most carefully examined and found to have certain essential drawbacks. In those circumstances my right hon. Friend is not prepared to go any further with it.

Mr. Shinwell

Although there may be technical difficulties about the application of the scheme, is it not a fact that the head of the United States Maritime Commission has stated that the scheme is a very useful and practical one?

Sir V. Warrender

I am not aware of any statement on the part of the head of the U.S. Maritime Commission. This scheme was prepared some time ago.

Mr. Shinwell

Will my hon. Friend look rather more closely into this scheme and read the documents which have been furnished to his Department, and the statement referred to?

Sir V. Warrender

It is not a question of technical difficulties. The problem goes far deeper than that, and in present circumstances my right hon. Friend is advised that it would not produce ships any more quickly than at present, but rather more slowly.

Mr. Stephen

Has my hon. Friend consulted the representatives of the trade unions?