HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 cc1146-7
75. Mr. Oakshott

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the machinery for allocating contracts to shipyards under the naval refitting programme.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

As regards that part of the programme which is beyond the capacity of the Royal dockyards, the allocation of contracts is made after consultation with the other Departments principally concerned.

Mr. Oakshott

Is the Civil Lord aware that the Merseyside yards did not get their fair share in the recent programme, and, in view of the unemployment already existing in that area, will he give an assurance that they will get their full and proper share of any future contracts?

Mr. Edwards

I cannot agree that the Merseyside yards are not getting their fair share. I would inform the hon. Gentleman that we are getting requests from all the other ship repairing districts in the country, who are all saying that they are not getting their fair share.