asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to carry out an immediate survey of shipyards closed as redundant, with a view to ascertaining the possibility of reopening these yards immediately in case of war, as these closed yards would at once, in an emergency, become essential for the repair and replacement of tramp and other tonnage; and what information he now has as to the condition of these yards?

I do not think a special survey of the kind suggested by the hon. Member is necessary, as the Government are already in possession of full information as to the present and potential capacity of the shipyards likely to be available for merchant shipbuilding in an emergency.

Are we to understand then that the Government do not intend to carry out any further survey?

I have already said that the Government have all the information which they require on the subject.

Is it not the case that in the existing shipyards a large percentage of workers are unemployed at the present time?

Yes, Sir.