§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admirality how many Admiralty orders, and of what nature and 952 value, have been allocated to each of the shipbuilding and shiprepairing ports of Scotland during each of the last three years; and how many Admiralty orders, and of what nature and value, are in hand today in each of those ports.
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. J. P. L. Thomas)I regret that it would not be in the public interest to divulge this information. Perhaps the hon. and learned Member would care to write to me if he has any particular point on which I may be able to give information.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Aberdeen has technical facilities and men to execute these orders, and that there is unemployment in the shipyards? Would he consider allocating more orders to Aberdeen? I desire to thank the First Lord for what he said about writing to him on the subject. Would he give me the answer to the first part of my Question?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. and learned Member has another Question on the Order Paper and I will give the answer to his supplementary question then.
§ Mr. Desmond DonnellyIs it the policy of the Admiralty to give preference to ports which are in development areas in regard to the placing of orders?
§ Mr. ThomasThat is quite another question.