§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House any information regarding the progress of the Government merchant shipbuilding programme at Devonport; can he say when the next ship coming under the programme will be laid down; what is the extent of merchant building that will be allotted to Devonport during the present financial year; and for how many men will this programme provide employment?
§ Sir J. CRAIG: The keel of the oiler being constructed at Devonport was laid on 14th instant. The further amount of merchant shipbuilding work to be allotted to this yard, and the additional men to be employed upon it, depend upon the progress of negotiations now being conducted by the Admiralty with various firms concerned. No definite information as to the number of men to be employed can be given at present.