§ Sir A. LISTERasked the Prime Minister what Government Department is in charge of the national shipbuilding yards at Chepstow, Beachley, and Portbury; what is the total expenditure on these yards; whether a large quantity of material has-been purchased and taken away from Beachley on account of Lord Pirrie; and what is the policy of the Government towards these shipyards?
Colonel WILSONI have been asked to reply. The Ministry of Shipping is in, charge of the national shipyards at Chepstow, Beachley, and Portbury. The expenditure on the construction of the yards, including the purchase of the property of the Standard Shipbuilding Company, housing, plant, machinery, stores, etc., is approximately £6,000.000. Certain quantities of fabricated parts which were originally purchased for the construction of fabricated ships at the national shipyards, and which became surplus on the reduction of the War programme of construction, have been sold, and Messrs. Harland and Wolff, Belfast, have purchased some of this material. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my previous statements, on this subject.