§ 62. Major Neven-Spenceasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider arranging for the owners of released trawlers, many of which need extensive repairs before they can be used for fishing, to have the exclusive use of a few of the smaller shipyards formerly accustomed to undertake work of this kind.
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)No, Sir. Steps have been taken to obviate delay in the repair and reconditioning of trawlers released from naval service, but in view of the heavy load of naval and merchant repair work, I cannot earmark specific yards for this purpose.
§ Major Neven-SpenceIs my right hon. Friend aware that in some cases trawling vessels have been on the stocks in the shipyards for months, without any repairs being done, and that in other cases shipyards are without work? Will he look into the matter, bearing in mind that the public want more and better fish?
§ Mr. AlexanderI have no knowledge of any shipyards without work. There is very heavy pressure on the yards, for both naval and merchant repairs, and I certainly cannot undertake any further priority.