§ 51. Mr. Woodnuttasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he has considered the economics of Admiralty ropemaking; and if he will consider placing the manufacture of ropes to competitive tender.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingYes. A recent review, which I instigated, has shown that natural fibre ropes still manufactured by the Admiralty in the Chatham ropery are somewhat cheaper than those purchased by contract. We only obtain these ropes from commercial sources, therefore, when we require small quantities which are readily available. On the other hand, lines and twines are cheaper from commercial sources and these, as well as ropes made from synthetic fibres such as nylon, are all purchased by competitive tender.