asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the policy of the present Government is to stimulate work in the shipbuilding trade by the immediate construction of cruisers and auxiliary craft in anticipation of the naval programme; and, in that case, when he proposes to call for tenders and for what vessels?

The question of shipbuilding in anticipation of the normal naval programme is being considered in connection with the Government's general proposals for dealing with unemployment, a statement as tai which will be made shortly.

Is the bon. Gentleman aware that in a month's tune another thousand men will be thrown out of work owing to the completion of the Government orders at -Barrow, and what does he propose to do in regard to this matter?

Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider the whole question in relation to engineering unemployment generally, without special reference to Barrow?

Will the hon. Gentleman give us some idea as to the undertakings entered into in regard to pre-war ships by the last Government?

I cannot answer the last question, but with regard to the other questions both the points raised are being considered by the Government.