Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller the total amount of public money spent on and in connection with the shipbuilding yard at Barnstaple; what interest the Government have now in that yard, or if they have parted with that interest the sum realised by its sale; what is proposed to be done with the yard; and whether it is intended to endeavour to float the concrete ship launched from the yard now beached at Instow?
Colonel WILSONAs stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, N. (Mr. Rose) on 22nd May, the shipbuilding yard at Barnstaple cost, approximately, £30,000. The Government have disposed of their interest in the yard for the sum of £5,000. It is intended to endeavour to float the vessel now beached on Instow Sands, but delivery will not be taken from the builders by the Ministry of Shipping until she is afloat and in a seaworthy condition The vessel is covered by insurance.