§ Sir C. HENRYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the purchase price of the land which was requisitioned for the Chepstow national shipyards has been determined; and, if so, will he give the terms?
Colonel WILSONAs the negotiations for the purchase of the land have not yet been completed, I regret that I am not at present in a position to supply my hon. Friend with the information which he desires.
§ Mr. LAMBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what number of men are now employed at the Chepstow and the Beachley yards; what is the total cost approximately per month that is being spent there; and whether there is a prospect of an early disposal of these establishments?
Colonel WILSONThe number of men now employed at Chepstow and Beachley yards is 1,050. The present expenditure per month on all the -National Yards, including Portbury, Portishead Dock, all subsidiary construction and housing, is, approximately, £80,000. The monthly expenditure on shipbuilding at Chepstow and Finch's is £26,000. With regard to the last part of my right hon. Friend's question, I can only say that negotiations for the disposal of these establishments are now in progress.