HC Deb 14 May 1909 vol 4 cc2231-2W
Sir CLEMENT HILL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what would be the average daily number of skilled and unskilled workmen respectively employed on the construction of a "Dreadnought" from the time her keel was laid down till she was ready for sea; what is the total estimated cost of the construction of such a ship and her completion with guns, stores, ammunition, etc., ready for sea, and what proportion of such cost would be paid in wages; and whether all the workmen employed would be British, and all the guns, stores, etc., British made, or, if not, what proportion of either respectively?

Mr. McKENNA

With regard to the first part of the question, it is quite impossible to give an accurate estimate in the terms asked for, but the number is between 1,000 and 1,500 skilled workmen.