§ 34. Mr. Cooper-Keyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there exists at Rye facilities in labour, equipment, yards and experience for the building of boats; and whether he will take the earliest opportunity of inviting these yards to tender for Admiralty orders.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasYes, Sir. I am aware of these facilities, but Admiralty requirements for boats are at present very small in relation to the boat-building capacity available throughout the United Kingdom.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerIs my right hon. Friend aware that this yard built ships in the time of Queen Elizabeth and that there is grave danger of it having to be shut down altogether? It would be a great tragedy from the point of view of the history of this country if that were to happen. Will he do something to help the yard to keep going?
§ Mr. G. R. HowardIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are also many other small yards, especially in West Cornwall, such as the one about which I have written to him, where this work could also be done and would keep such firms alive in case of a necessary extension in war-time?
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill the Minister also bear in mind the docks in the part of the country from which he came?
§ Mr. ThomasI am well aware of the historic background of this particular firm at Rye, and I will bear that in mind should any suitable work come along. I am also aware of the existence of other yards, large and small, in other parts of the country, both in the West Country and in West Wales.