§ 40. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, the cause of the delay in the Fishery Research Ship "Sir William Hardy" concerning the research and other work for which she was built; and when she will commence that work.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. J. R. Bevins)The delay arose because, as a result of the introduction of diesel electric propulsion, it was found necessary to improve the ventilation of the engine room. The trawler should be ready within a few weeks.
§ Mr. HughesCan the Parliamentary Secretary say how it is proposed to make good the loss to the country caused by the non-use of much capital spent on this ship and by the long neglect of the research for which it was built?
§ Mr. BevinsThis is a highly technical subject, and responsibility for what happened has not yet been clearly established.