§ Mr. Brookeasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the amount of capital assistance given by the Government during the war to the shipbuilding industry in connection with general shipyard modernisation and development, including the extension of welding.
Mr. AlexanderSince the larger part of this assistance has been given towards the cost of schemes initiated since late 1942, and since such schemes are still subject to modification and addition precise final figures cannot yet be given. However, the best estimate that can be made is that the capital assistance given by the Government totals some £6,500,000. The total estimated cost of the schemes towards which this assistance has been given is £9,000,000. In welding 2201W schemes the cost has generally been shared equally between the Government and the industry, but in the general development schemes the Government have contributed a larger proportion, and in some cases have paid the full cost and retained interest in the assets provided. These figures cover assisted schemes in shipyards and at the works of marine-engine makers. They do not cover assisted schemes specifically for the provision of facilities for boatbuilding and repairing where, towards a total expenditure of £900,000, the Government have given assistance estimated at £800,000.