HC Deb 28 June 1948 vol 452 cc176-7W
69. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Minister of Transport why the steamships "Glen-app" and "Mantola" were sent from the London Docks to be repaired at Hamburg when 490 skilled workers and about go labourers have been discharged as redundant from Messrs. Harland and Wolff's Yard at North Woolwich during the past three weeks.

Mr. Barnes

These ships are repairing at Antwerp not Hamburg. Dry docking facilities were not immediately available in this country. In addition the "Glenapp" had part cargo for Rotterdam and Antwerp where she will also commence loading for her next voyage. I am informed that valuable ships' time was saved by repairing these two ships at Antwerp.

76. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Transport why several ships have been sent to the Continent of Europe for repairs recently, instead of the work being done in this country, particularly in the case of the s.s. "James Clark Ross" which was to have a major refit by the firm of Harland and Wolff Limited, Liverpool.

Mr. Barnes

Sanction is given to British shipowners to do repairs other than voyage repairs abroad only if repair facilities, including dry dock, are not immediately available in the United Kingdom so that ships would be delayed. The "Sir James Clark Ross" is a Norwegian ship and, therefore, is not subject to Government control.

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